Motorists are being urged to take extra care this Christmas after new figures reveal they are more than twice as likely to be breath tested in December than at any other time of year.
A Freedom of Information Request to police forces across England and Wales shows that 36,742 tests were carried out at the roadside last December, compared with 16,267 in an average month.
The data was requested by personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense and responses were received from 38 regional forces, out of a total of 43.
Nearly one in ten (9.8%) drivers failed the test or refused to provide a sample.
Motorists in South Wales were the most likely to be stopped with 4,422 tests conducted – followed by Greater Manchester (2,761) and Avon & Somerset (2,272).
The failure rate was highest in Leicestershire, with 28% testing positive.
“December is always the peak month for roadside checks due to office parties, nights out and an overall rise in social drinking,” said Hunter Abbott, Managing Director of AlcoSense Laboratories. “Police know this, which is why roadside testing surges at this time of year.”
Research continues to show the dangers of driving with alcohol in your system. The risk of being involved in a fatal collision is around 13 times higher at the current drink-drive limit than when sober.
Abbott added: “People often underestimate how long alcohol stays in the body. For example, drinking four pints of medium-strong beer or four large glasses of wine in an evening can take up to 14 hours to fully clear. Many motorists are caught out the following morning without realising they’re still over the limit. Using a personal breathalyser before driving can give reassurance that you’re safe and legal.”
National statistics underline the scale of the issue. The latest Department for Transport figures show 260 people were killed in drink-drive crashes across Britain – higher than a decade ago. Drunk driving accounts for 16% of all road fatalities.
A total of 6,310 people were injured in collisions involving a driver over the limit.
If you’re caught driving over the legal alcohol limit in the UK, the consequences are severe. You could face a minimum 12‑month driving ban, an unlimited fine and even up to six months in prison.
Causing death by careless driving while over the limit carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail. A drink‑drive conviction also results in a criminal record, significantly higher insurance premiums and potential restrictions on employment and international travel.
