A WOMAN caught drink-driving with a seven-month-old baby in the car was among dozens of drivers arrested over the limit last week – with one-quarter caught as a direct result of calls from the public.
The 37-year-old, who had a previous drink-driving conviction from 2005, was more than twice the alcohol limit when she was stopped by police in Renton, West Dunbartonshire.
The woman was charged with being drunk in charge of a child.
A total of 88 motorists were caught drink-driving during the third week of the annual Festive Drink Drug Drive Campaign, while four more were caught driving under the influence of drugs.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) said calls from members of the public assisted officers in arresting one in four of those caught.
Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing, the Acpos lead on tackling drink and drug driving, said: "The incidents this week demonstrate the disregard these offenders have for life.
"Not only are they putting their lives at risk but they are risking the lives of their passengers and other road users who are innocently travelling about visiting family and friends over the festive season.
"The message must get out to those who continue to think this behaviour is acceptable – don't risk it. Don't drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
He added: "We are now into the final week of the campaign and increased patrols will be out on the roads 24 hours a day targeting anyone driving illegally."
Other cases of drivers caught under the influence of drink or drugs included a lorry driver who was reported to police by a motorist after he swerved across the motorway.
The lorry narrowly avoided hitting several cars on the M80/M9 near Stirling and was traced to a lay-by near Dunblane.
The 44-year-old driver, who had driven from Wales, was suspected of taking drugs.
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