DRUG DRIVE HORROR HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEM

THE NET is closing in on drug-taking drivers this festive season in a
bid to rid the region's roads of dangerous motorists.

In an incident in Perthshire last week a man was caught allegedly
driving under the influence of drugs with two young children in the
back of his car.

Officers stopped the 30-year-old driver after a member of public,
concerned about the way the vehicle was being driven and the safety of
the youngsters, called the police.

In the first week of the festive road safety campaign, often a focus
for drink driving, other drug drivers also caught the eye of police.

A 30-year-old man driving under the influence of drugs was involved in
a collision near Blairingone on the Kinross to Kincardine road. And a
29-year-old woman was arrested after driving erratically on the A9.

The problem is not confined to illegal substances as some medications
can also impair a person's ability to drive.

Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman, head of road policing across Tayside,
said: "There is still an ignorance about the dangers of drug driving.

"It is a significant worry because if a person has taken drugs, which
then affects them physically and mentally, they are in no way capable
of being in full control of a vehicle should they choose to get behind
the wheel and drive.

"The majority of drivers are aware of the dangers attached to drinking
and driving, the enforcement abilities of the police and the penalties
that can follow.

"But there are still those who take the risk," he added.

Recent Scottish Government-funded research into recreational drug use
and driving found almost one in 10 drivers aged between 17 and 39
admitted driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, most
commonly cannabis.

But Chief Insp. Bowman added: "Drugs and medicines such as sleeping
pills, anti-depressants, pain killers, cold or flu remedies,
anti-histamines and even eye drops can impair a driver's ability.

"As a responsible driver you must ensure that if you are taking any
form of medication for whatever purpose, that it does not have a
detrimental effect on how safely you drive."

The head of road policing called for the public to continue to help to
flush out dangerous drivers.

He explained: "Drug driving, drink driving or a potentially lethal
cocktail of both, can have extremely serious consequences.

"As such, I would appeal to anyone who knows of, or suspects someone
of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, or riding a motorcycle while
under the influence of drugs or drink, to call the police immediately
with as much information as possible.

"Doing so could very well save lives and will send a clear message to
people involved in this criminal behaviour that they cannot get away
with it."

And he warned: "Would-be offenders should have no doubts that wherever
they are, they are being watched."