While Christmas time is often associated with drinking and driving, August is the worst month for drink-drive crashes, according to new research. RAC analysis found an average of 721 people were injured or killed in drink-drive crashes in August between 2014 and 2024.
By contrast, December had an average of 663 casualties, and July had an average of 704.
Why summer poses a greater risk
“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,” said RAC head of policy, Simon Williams.
“Warmer weather and 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.”
Calls for stronger enforcement
Mr Williams called for stronger measures to tackle the “genuine problem” of repeat drink-driving and said enforcement was “extremely important”. Among the measures he suggested was the introduction of court-ordered alcolocks, devices that prevent a vehicle from being driven without a breath test for alcohol.
Drivers would “strongly support” their use in the UK, according to Mr Williams. The Department for Transport is analysing feedback on a consultation on proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences, which include the use of alcolocks.
Drug-driving a growing concern
Alongside drink-driving, drug-driving is also of growing concern. Repeat offending of drug-driving is almost five times more common than drink-driving, an investigation earlier this year found.
A total of 12,391 British drivers were caught driving with drugs in their system above the legal limit at least three times in the 11 years to 20 July 2025, official figures obtained by the RAC showed. That is compared with 2,553 who received that many drink-drive convictions over the same period.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
