15/08/2026
August has recorded the highest average number of drink-drive casualties and collisions of any month over the past decade.
That’s according to analysis by the RAC.
It challenges the widely held perception that Christmas is the most dangerous time of year for alcohol-related road crashes.
Season’s Greetings
RAC analysis of newly released Government data covering Great Britain between 2014 and 2024 found that August averaged 721 drink-drive casualties from 485 collisions each year. J
July was close behind, with an average of 704 casualties and 474 collisions.
By comparison, December – traditionally associated with Christmas parties, festive celebrations and warnings about drink-driving – recorded an annual average of 663 casualties from 459 collisions.
The figures suggest that the risk increases significantly during the warmer months. Between June and August, there were on average 16% more drink-drive casualties than during the winter period from December to February. Drink-drive collisions were also 16% higher during summer.
The trend was still evident in the latest figures. In 2024, June recorded the highest number of drink-drive casualties and collisions, with 650 casualties and 440 collisions. Across June, July and August, there were 1,810 casualties and 1,220 collisions, compared with 1,570 casualties and 1,060 collisions during December, January and February.