More motorists caught drink-driving in May than in December, new figures show

The findings have been obtained via a Freedom of Information request to 45 police forces across the UK show an unreported trend identifying May as the month where a higher percentage of drivers test positive for drink-driving compared with any other month of the year.

The data focuses on the number of drink-driving road stops in the UK in the last three years – 2014, 2015 and 2016 and shows a higher proportion of motorists are caught drink-driving in May than over the festive period, with 15 per cent of drivers testing positive or refusing to be breathalysed.

In fact, the figure is almost four times higher than December where four per cent of drivers tested positive or refused a test in the month traditionally associated with drinking and partying.

In our region the Dyfed-Powys Police force area was the worst for drivers testing positive or refusing a test during the month of May between 2014 and 2016, with that figure standing at 14.8 per cent.

For the West Mercia Police force area that figure stood at 11 per cent, while the North Wales Police zone was the lowest in our region – at nearly eight per cent.

With one bank holiday just passed and another to come on May 29, insurance firm Admiral is urging motorists to avoid getting behind the wheel if drinking alcohol and warning drivers to be extra vigilant the morning after as alcohol can remain in your system for hours

Jo Cox, motor product manager at Admiral, said: "It may come as a surprise that May is the month where the highest percentage of people test positive for drink-driving and not the festive season. This new data suggests that as the temperature rises - and we see a succession of bank holidays - drivers are risking flouting the law and getting behind the wheel after drinking.”

"As well as the risk to other people on the road, being caught over the limit comes with serious consequences, including up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least one year. And many insurers won’t insure someone with a drink-driving conviction. Those convicted who do manage to get a quote could find their premiums increasing by more than 250 per cent, new Admiral analysis shows."

Roger Singer of the Drug & Alcohol Road safety Charity DDE+ added: "In December there are more planned events such as Christmas dos, where people know not to take the car. In the summer and bank holidays that lead up to it, there are more impromptu gatherings such as barbecues, where people don’t realise how much they are drinking or how long it takes for it to leave their system. The morning after is often a time when people get caught out.

"Even the smallest amount of alcohol will affect how you drive. The only way to be really safe is to avoid drinking altogether when you know you are taking the car."