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.
Read more from Sky News:
Six arrested after woman found dead
Theme park closes due to 'burst water main'
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
Trainee Greater Manchester Police officer charged with rape and kidnap of woman
England 'on the cusp' of eliminating hepatitis C, health officials say
Amazon founder Bezos nears deal to buy stake in Liverpool Football Club
UK is first European nation to approve weight loss pill
Teen arrested over assault in Thetford anti-migrant disorder
Woman, 23, found dead in Islington - as six people arrested on suspicion of murder
Man, 18, dies after getting into difficulty in sea at Camber Sands
Wreck of Royal Navy warship HMS Tiger found off Isle of Wight after 118 years
University student stabbed man in heart over debt, murder trial hears
