August in the worst month for drink-driving deaths and injuries, figures reveal

While Christmastime 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.

"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."

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.

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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.

(c) Sky News 2026: August in the worst month for drink-driving deaths and injuries, figures reveal