Drunk pedestrians targetted by police

[gopher]

Some sensible policing going on here it seems

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4494594.stm

BBC said:

Drunk pedestrians as well as drink-drivers have been targeted by Fife Police in their festive road safety campaign. The force has been concerned at the extent of alcohol-related accidents. About 90 pedestrians have been killed or injured in the last three years in the Fife Police area. Revellers have also once again been urged not to drink and drive. So far, 568 offenders have been caught in Fife this year - up 29 on 2004. Police, as part of the Time2Act scheme, have urged revellers to leave their cars at home and take public transport or taxis. 'Danger zone' Superintendent Bob Farmer said he was very concerned about drunk pedestrians. "The statistics don't tell the true story of the impact on families and this is what we're trying to get through, that one fatality is one too many," he said. "They are a danger to themselves and to drivers who have to take evasive action. John Coutts Mr Coutts was knocked down after being out drinking "Everyone responds to alcohol in different ways. When they are becoming unsteady on their feet they are in the danger zone if they walk home. "My advice is go out and enjoy yourself but don't get drunk." The campaign, which includes a survey of drink-drivers, also uses a video, posters and beer mats to drive home the message. The campaign has been supported by John Coutts, of Cowdenbeath, who lost his son John, 39, last February. He was hit by a car walking along the B921 Kinglassie Road in the dark wearing dark clothing. Mr Coutts had been drinking for much of the day. Mr Coutts senior said: "People always think it will never happen to them - but in John's case it did and it is such a waste of a life. "I am appealing to anyone going on a night out not to even consider walking home after having too much to drink. "Get a life, take a taxi or public transport - before it is too late."

[pdV6]

gopher said:

BBC said: Get a life, take a taxi or public transport - before it is too late.

And while you're at it, please try not to fall in the road in a drunken mess whilst trying to flag every passing vehicle down as if it were a taxi...

[tonyhetherington]

I think it's spot on and the way that it should be going. It's just a shame that there is, in many places, not the public transport infrastructure to support such moves.

The number of taxis is always a problem but that is nobody's fault, merely the product of an evening!

[pdV6]

tonyhetherington said:

The number of taxis is always a problem but that is nobody's fault, merely the product of an evening!

But would improve if more places shut at hours other than 11pm!

[just_william]

Noticed the other weekend how much easier it was to get a taxi as all the pubs and clubs were staggering their lock door times with the new laws on closing time now in effect. Maybe thats the one good story to come from it. But would you believe, I have never seen so many drunk people about at the 21.00 time of night??? Thought they would want to stay on until 03.00 the next morning to see what it was like? Bizzare!