An Edinburgh family who were struck by a drink driver have joined forces with the police to launch their festive road safety campaign.

The Hepplewhite family from Currie, Edinburgh, who were struck by a drink driver while walking in Balerno village in July 2001.

Katherine, 40, and her three-year-old son Kieran, escaped with minor injuries.

However, 35-year-old Ian has been left with a permanent limp which will prevent him from returning to work as an engineer.

Police said they were more determined than ever to tackle the problem

Paddy Tomkins, the chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police, launched the campaign on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).

He said: "The trauma that the Hepplewhites have gone through in the last 18 months demonstrates the devastating effect drink driving has on a family's life.

"We will be doing everything in our power to prevent similar tragedies. However, it is important for people to realise that road safety is the public's responsibility as well.

"It is vital that people continue to call us regarding those who are driving under the influence of drink or drugs or driving dangerously before they cause a serious accident."

The crackdown - which runs from now until 6 January - has the slogan "Who's Watching You?"

Festive campaign

And officers have urged people to phone Crimestoppers if they know people are driving while under the influence.

The number of drivers who failed a breath test during the last festive campaign fell to 190 - down by nine on the previous year.

However, there was an increase in the proportion of drivers who tested positive after being involved in accidents.

Police said they were more determined than ever to tackle the problem.

The campaign will also focus on drug-driving, speeding and drivers who fail to wear seatbelts.

The message is simple - people should not drink and drive

Deputy Transport Minister Lewis Macdonald

Fiona Murray, the director of the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, said: "Drinking and driving is one of the major factors in deaths and serious injuries on Scotland's roads.

"We hope the 'Who's Watching You?' campaign will make people think twice about breaking the law."

Deputy Transport Minister Lewis Macdonald said: "Drinking and driving is just as unacceptable and irresponsible now as at any other time of the year, but too many drivers are still prepared to take the risk.

"The message is simple - people should not drink and drive.

"Anyone can report a drink driver to the police, by using the Crimestoppers hotline."

Police officers will be out in force in Scotland's roads during the campaign.

There will also be additional patrols and checks at accident blackspots.