Advert targets drug-drivers

[bongme]

hi

Monday, 20 May, 2002

Drug-drivers are to be targeted in a new television advertising campaign.

The Scottish Executive is aiming to raise awareness of the problem while pointing out the powers police have to enforce the law.

And the campaign has won the backing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

The watchdog's Scottish road safety manager, Mike McDonnell, said research had shown that young people were ignorant of the laws covering driving under the influence of drugs.

"After seeing this advert, they will have no excuses," he said.

"It makes it clear that there is little difference between drink-driving and drug-driving - both are socially unacceptable and if you are caught, you face a driving ban and possible prison sentence.

"We hope it will also bring home to young passengers the danger of getting into a car with a driver who has taken drugs. Peer pressure can have a great influence on changing attitudes."

The campaign is targeted mainly at young male drivers.

Drug misuse

It will show how impairment tests - such as walking in a straight line and balancing on one leg - are being used by police to catch people driving under the influence of drugs.

The launch comes after two Scottish forces implemented a three-day crackdown on drug-driving.

Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police focussed on drug misuse on the roads as part of the Crime Braker campaign.

In addition to stopping motorists to check for signs of drug use, officers also handed drug-driving leaflets to the Aberdeen Nightclub Association to distribute among clubbers.

Bongme