Worst month of the year for drink-drive crashes in UK revealed

Worst month of the year for drink-drive crashes in UK revealed ‘Drink-driving is often seen as more of a Christmas issue,’ RAC said, but their new data paints a different picture - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments New research indicates that August is the worst month for drink-drive crashes, as summer socialising provides "more opportunities" to take to the wheel after consuming alcohol. An analysis by the RAC revealed that an average of 721 people were killed or injured in drink-drive collisions during August between 2014 and 2024. That total sits ahead of July, which saw an average of 704 casualties over the 11-year period. By comparison, December, typically linked with drink-driving, recorded a lower average of 663 casualties. RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drink-driving is often seen as more of a Christmas issue, but our analysis shows collisions involving drivers who have consumed illegal levels of alcohol are actually far more common during the summer. “Warmer weather, longer evenings as well as holidays, festivals and barbecues all create more opportunities and temptation for people to drink and then get behind the wheel.” “Enforcement of the drink-drive law at this time of year is therefore extremely important in keeping everyone safe.” Mr Williams called for stronger measures to tackle the “genuine problem” of repeat drink-driving, such as introducing court-ordered alcolocks. These are devices preventing a vehicle from being driven without a breath test for alcohol. Drivers would “strongly support” their use in the UK, Mr Williams added. The DfT is analysing feedback on a consultation on proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences, which include the use of alcolocks. A previous investigation by the Press Association found nearly 28,000 British motorists were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to July 20 2024. The DfT was approached for a comment. Statistics revealed last year showed that almost 100 motorists a day were caught drink-driving in Britain across the past three years. Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, which obtained the figures, highlighted an urgent need for "a shift in mindset" among drivers. A total of 108,000 drivers received drink-drive licence endorsements from 2022 to 2024, an average of 99 per day. These statistics were acquired from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) via a Freedom of Information request. The data shows drivers aged 25-39 were the most frequent offenders, with 48,000 caught. This was followed by the 40-65 age group (40,000) and younger drivers aged 17-24 (15,000). Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments