SURPRISING figures show that May is the worst month in the year for drink drivers on the roads.

New figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request by Admiral insurers show that of the 45 police forces that responded, a higher percentage of drivers test positive for drink-driving in May 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 and shows a higher proportion of motorists are caught drink-driving in May than over the festive period.

In North Yorkshire, 14.3 per cent of drivers tested positive or refused a test during the month of May, from 2014 to 2016, while in Cleveland it was 15.3 per cent.

Durham Constabulary figures were not available.

The national average was 15.1 per cent, which is almost four times higher than December where only four per cent of drivers tested positive or refused a test in the month traditionally associated with drinking and partying.

It is believed that the higher incidence of drink-driving in May could be down to people attending spur of the moment outdoor events rather than pre-planned parties where transport would have been arranged in advance.

Roger Singer of the Drug and Alcohol Road safety Charity DDE+ explained: “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.”

The latest figures from the Department for Transport estimate between 220 and 260 people were killed in drink-drive accidents on Britain’s roads in one year.

As well as the risk to other people on the road, being caught drink driving can lead to a prison sentence of up to six months, an unlimited fine and a driving ban.