11 December 2024
Young drivers are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes on December nights, shows new AA analysis.
The analysis*, being released to coincide with the Christmas party season, shows young drivers (17-20) were involved in a fifth (19%) of night-time fatal collisions last December, despite this age group making up just 2.4% of licence holders**.
The temptation for drivers, of any age, to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, or being impaired by drugs, can be greater in December as many head out in the evening to pubs, bars and restaurants for Christmas socialising.
“The December party season can be a dangerous cocktail for drivers who choose to mix drinking and driving.”
Overall, drunk drivers are involved in nearly a fifth (18%) of all fatalities*** on our roads. This equates to an estimated 280 fatal drink-drive collisions in 2022, the highest level since 2009. Impairment by drugs is listed in 6.2% of fatal collisions.
An AA/Yonder poll shows many drivers are now turning to zero-alcohol options to avoid drink driving. More than four-fifths (83%) said the range of zero-alcohol drinks now means there is no excuse for drink driving.****
One third of drivers say they regularly turn to zero-alcohol drinks when they are the designated drivers.
Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “Young drivers are involved in a significant percentage of fatal crashes on December nights – which may point to a link with driving home after a Christmas drink.
“The December party season can be a dangerous cocktail for drivers who choose to mix drinking and driving.
“There is no excuse to drink and drive, especially with the rise of alcohol-free drinks available. Organise a lift, designate a driver, take a taxi or public transport, or choose a zero-alcohol drink – the options are there.
“Every year, lives are lost because of drunk and drugged drivers. Whether it’s late at night, or the morning after a heavy night, drivers should be aware of the risks and ensure they do not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.”
A drink driving conviction can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving for two years. Drivers who are caught tailgating or hogging the middle lane can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.
* Drivers aged 17-20 were involved in 6 out of 31 fatal crashes in December 2023 between 6pm and 5am
**NTS0201b shows 0.77m licence holders aged 17-20 in 2023 out of 34.52m licences.
**** Yonder received 13,836 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 23rd April 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.