le.ENvoE
&
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very year there‘s a nevv.
hard-hitting campaign — the
most recent one featured a drunk driver being interrogated by members of his ovvn family — and every year the arrests rack up. l.othian and Borders police arrested ll() people for drink- driving offences during its recent annual festive campaign. But police pursuing drunk drivers have recently discovered that a high percentage of the victims are also over the limit. Last year. one in three adult pedestrian fatalities in the UK had alcohol levels over the legal limit for driving. and nearly half of all pedestrians killed in road accidents betvveen l()pm and 4am on l‘riday and Saturdays vvere more than twice over the drink drive limit.
Despite the depressing rate of
arrests. most of us are avvare of the dangers of drink driving. and
we‘re frequently reminded of
them. However. we tend not to think about the risk we put ourselves in as we stagger home after a heavy night‘s drinking.
‘We lind ourselves responding to more and more serious road accidents vvhere the victims were
90 THE LIST 18 .Jim i let) Qtit‘ii'
St a night
on the 09“ booze
pedestrians who were over the limit.. says John McDonald. lnspector-()perations at Fife Constabulary. vvhere they‘ve been running a hard-hitting campaign targeting pedestrians.
'After a fatal accident in our area we felt vve had to act. People often believe they'll be safer vvalking along the vvhite lines in the middle of the road. but that's absolute
ALCOHOL
AF FECTS THE JUDGEMENT OF PEDESTRIANS AS MUCH AS DRIVERS
nonsense. We‘ve had some very nasty accidents occur out of that situation over the recent festive period. Most drivers just don‘t have time to respond to someone appearing somewhere unexpected like that. especially if it‘s dark.‘ ‘All credit to these people for making the decision not to take the car when they‘re having a drink.‘ says Michael McDonnell.
the director of Road Safety Scotland. ‘lt sounds obvious to say it. but alcohol affects the
judgement of pedestrians just as
much as drivers. A couple of years ago in Strathclyde there were tvvo people killed who got tired on the vvay home and lay dovvn. L'nfortunately. they were on the road. and they were run over and killed by a driver who couldn‘t see them.‘
Of course. motorists also have a role to play in cutting accident rates by being vigilant in areas near pubs and clubs vvhere people may stumble into the road or attempt to cross at inappropriate places. 'l)rivers who are out on the roads late at night do have to be aware that when pedestrians are affected by drink their behaviour may be unpredictable.‘ says McDonnell. ‘If you see a group of drunk people up ahead. we advise you to adjust your road position slightly —- move further away from the kerb and reduce your speed. thus allovving yourself more time to react.
‘People have a drink. they‘re having a good time. and they feel invincible.~ says McDonald.
- v writes Kirstin lnnes.
Scotland’s police are keen to advise revellers that a drunken walk on the wild
side can prove fatal
‘Nobody thinks they're going to get involved in a road accident. You should alvvays think about tucking avvay enough money for a taxi or a bus. and l vvant to see groups of people looking out for each other — don't let your friends walk home by themselves.’
Straight and narrow
Top tips for getting home safe/y
I Plan ahead and book a taxi to take you home
I Take a night bus or public transport it possible
I Walk home in a group rather than alone
I Choose a safe route home. away from the road. but it it is late at night or you feel vulnerable. only do this with others
I Never sit or rest on or near the road. however quiet it might appear
I Stay away from the kerb
I Only cross at recognised pedestrian crossings
I Wear something bright and easily visible at night
I Look after your friends