The survey found that twice as many drivers think that there are more temptations to drink drive in the summer than the winter, with the trend more prominent in younger drivers (18-24 yrs) than older drivers (55-64 yrs).

Drivers in the North West were most likely to think that the summer was a bigger temptation (54%) whilst those in Scotland (42%) and Northern Ireland (43%) were least likely to agree.

The survey also questioned respondents on their actions if faced with a designated driver who had had one too many. In response, most drivers (68%) will confiscate their keys and call a cab. This is most likely among those in Northern Ireland (80%). Those in the South West of the UK are the most likely to find another way home and report their friend to the police (8%). In the UK as a whole 6% would take this action.

Females were more likely (74%) than males (65%) to take away the keys if drivers were over the limit. Middle-aged drivers (35-54 yrs) (71%) were more likely to take away the keys than the youngest drivers (65%) and the oldest drivers (64%).

In response, Edmund King, AA president, said: ‘We must continue to remind drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. It is crucial that drivers and their friends and family consider the hazards of drinking and driving on all occasions throughout the summer. Twice as many people agree that there are more temptations to drink drive in the summer than in the winter but it is worrying that a significant number of people would still accept a lift with a drink driver. This is dicing with death as drinking and driving should never be mixed.’