Family 'would shop' drink-drivers

There is normally an increase in drink-driving incidents over Christmas

People who drink and drive over the festive period in Scotland risk being reported to the police by members of their own family, a survey has found.

More than half of the 1,036 respondents to the Road Safety Scotland poll said they would call the authorities.

The majority of those who would not, would confront friends and family themselves. Only 2% felt it was none of their business.

The results come as the Christmas drink-drive crackdown is launched.

The survey also found 70% would be likely to report a stranger they suspected of being over the limit.

Our research shows that Scots are more than willing to report strangers and even family and friends for drink-driving Michael McDonnell Road Safety Scotland

A spokesman for Road Safety Scotland said the figures showed the social stigma of drink-driving was stronger than ever.

Michael McDonnell, director of the organisation, said: "Research shows that drivers' perception of being caught for drink-driving is diminishing, but in fact if you risk drink-driving this festive season the chances are you will be caught.

"Police across Scotland are getting better at detecting drink-drivers and have recently adopted a new policy stance which requires drivers to take a breath test when stopped for any moving traffic offence.

"In addition our research shows that Scots are more than willing to report strangers and even family and friends for drink-driving."

'Zero tolerance'

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson is backing the campaign.

He said: "This research shows that Scots across the country have had enough of the excuses and it is really encouraging to see that they are prepared to take a zero tolerance approach - reporting strangers, family members or friends for drink-driving.

"Our police forces will be following this up with tough action on our roads, using the full powers available to them."

There is normally a sharp increase in the number of drink-driving incidents over the festive period.

Crimestoppers reported a 44% rise in the number of calls related to drink-driving over the same period last year.