The campaign runs for a month

The message of the month-long annual festive road safety campaign is "don't risk it".

Police forces across the country are concentrating on drivers who drink and take drugs, warning that those caught could be handed lengthy jail terms.

The police said drinking and driving was a major factor in deaths and serious injuries on Scotland's roads.

Last year there was a slight fall in the number of drivers caught over the limit, but police say the message is still not getting across.

Don't drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs because you will be caught and punished Ricky Gray Acpos

This year's campaign was launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) on Monday.

Accident blackspots will be targeted with additional patrols and road checks, while people are being urged to report anyone they believe to be driving while under the influence.

Strathclyde Police's assistant chief constable Ricky Gray, a member of the Acpos road standard policing committee, said: "If people drive after they have been drinking they are risking not only their lives but also the lives of innocent road users.

"Motorists caught drink or drug driving face severe penalties in the courts and risk losing their licence, bans, fines, prison and possible employment and financial problems.

"Our message to people is clear - don't drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs because you will be caught and punished."

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

Road deaths

The campaign has the support of Transport Minister Nicol Stephen.

He said: "No-one should be in any doubt that alcohol, even in small amounts, affects driving ability.

"One in five road deaths in 2001 across Scotland was the result of drink-driving.