January is the quietest month on the roads, with traffic volumes 10% below average levels for the year.

Despite this, motorists are warned that traffic levels are at an all-time high on Fridays, with the afternoon scrum starting to develop from noon.

This makes Friday the most dangerous day to be driving, with casualties hitting a peak of 3,766 at 5pm, compared to an average of 3,426 on other weekdays.

According to new analysis by the RAC Foundation, drivers should also be on their guard on Saturdays, when traffic volumes peak at noon – also the peak hour for casualties, at 2,799.

Failed breath tests are also most common on a Saturday, with 1,599 drivers and riders caught over the limit on Saturdays in 2006.

Drink-driving is at its highest in the small hours and early evening.

Sundays are the safest days to drive, with some 12,000 fewer casualties than Friday’s total.