Summer records more drink-drive casualties and collisions than winter, according to RAC analysis of Department for Transport data.
Figures covering Great Britain between 2014 and 2024 show August had the highest monthly averages, with 721 drink-drive casualties arising from 485 collisions. July followed with 704 casualties from 474 collisions.
By comparison, December averaged 663 casualties and 459 collisions, despite drink-driving traditionally receiving greater attention during the Christmas period.
Summer risk remains overlooked
Across the 11-year period, June to August averaged 16% more drink-drive casualties than December to February. Drink-drive collisions were also 16% higher during the summer.
The pattern continued in 2024, when June recorded the year’s highest figures, with 650 casualties and 440 collisions.
Across summer 2024, official figures recorded:
- 1,810 drink-drive casualties
- 1,220 drink-drive collisions
This compared with 1,570 casualties and 1,060 collisions during the winter months.
The RAC suggested longer evenings, warmer weather, holidays, festivals and barbecues may create more opportunities for people to consume alcohol before driving. Hot weather can also increase dehydration and tiredness, compounding the danger posed by alcohol.
An important message for driver education
The findings reinforce the need for drink-driving education to extend beyond seasonal Christmas campaigns.
Driver and rider trainers can help learners understand that alcohol may continue to impair someone the following morning and that feeling able to drive does not mean they are legally or safely fit to do so. Planning a lift, using public transport, arranging accommodation or choosing not to drink remain the safest options.
The RAC is also calling for courts to be given powers to require high-risk and repeat offenders to use alcohol ignition interlocks. These devices require the driver to provide an acceptable breath sample before the vehicle can start.
