BANK HOLIDAY BOOZERS: May worst month for drink driving, new data reveals

Bank holiday warning as drink-driving charges peak in May

Drivers warned to think twice before getting behind the wheel this month ahead of bonus bank holidays and coronation celebrations 

• New FOI data obtained by Admiral shows May had the highest number of drink-driving charges last year
• 13% more drivers were charged with drink-driving in May 2022 than during the festive season in December
• Police Scotland and Metropolitan Police forces charged the highest number of offenders in May 2022
• A drink-driving conviction could result in you being refused insurance – or an average premium increase of 61%

With Brits set to enjoy an extra bank holiday and coronation celebrations this May, Admiral Car Insurance is warning drivers that getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol can have serious consequences.

New data obtained by Admiral via an FOI request to 45* police forces across the UK reveal the number of drivers charged with drink-driving was highest in May last year.

There were 20% more drivers charged with drink-driving in May last year compared to September which was the lowest month in 2022.

The data also shows a higher number of motorists caught drink-driving in May 2022 than over the festive period. Drink-driving convictions were 13% higher in May compared with December 2022.

Being caught over the limit can see a driver face up to 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least one year. But the financial impact doesn’t stop there. Someone convicted of drink driving will probably see their car insurance premiums increasing – that’s if they can get insurance at all.

Someone coming to Admiral for a new business quote, who has received a drink driving conviction would see their premiums increase by an average of 61%, however some drivers will see a much bigger increase, particularly if it included a driving ban or disqualification.

Plus, if you do have an accident while drink-driving many insurers will refuse to cover the cost of the claim, meaning drivers could be left with hefty sums to pay including the cost of third-party claims.

From the 17 (out of 45) police force areas that provided comparable data for 2022, nearly 76,180 drivers were stopped and asked to conduct a breathalyser test.

During the month of May in 2022, a total of 5,592 motorists were stopped and breath tested of which 1,949 were charged. The figures show that 26% of those charged were by Police Scotland – the highest amount of drink drivers charged by any police force that month.

Commenting on the new data, Clare Egan, Head of Motor at Admiral, said “Last year, May was the month with the highest number of drivers charged with drink-driving across the country. This year, with three bank holidays and the coronation celebrations in May, we urge motorists to completely avoid getting behind the wheel if they are drinking alcohol.

“It’s easy to underestimate how little it can take to put you over the legal drink-drive limit and tolerance to alcohol depends on the individual. Factors such as weight, age, gender and metabolism all play a part, meaning it is virtually impossible to know if you are safe to drive.

“As well as the increased 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 if driving or attempting to drive. And in most cases, a conviction will invalidate your existing insurance policy. We have published a guide on penalties for drink-driving convictions in the UK.

“Your insurance will always be more expensive after a drink-driving conviction as you will be considered a higher-risk. With Admiral, someone with a drink driving conviction who comes to us for a quote would see their premium increase by an average of 61%. However, it could increase by much more, especially if you’ve been banned or disqualified. 

“In addition, you must tell your insurer if you get a new drink-driving conviction while you have an active car insurance policy.  If you do have an accident while drink-driving most insurers will refuse to cover the cost of the claim, meaning you could be left with a considerable amount to pay including the cost of third-party claims.

“The safest advice is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether if you are planning to get behind the wheel over the bank holidays. The effects of alcohol can still be in your system morning after, and sometimes well into the next day, leading to a slower reaction time, poor driving skills, greater risk to other road users and a possible conviction.”

The latest figures from the **Department for Transport estimate 6,480 people were killed or injured in drink-drive accidents on Britain’s roads in one year.