As the police announce a summer crackdown on drink driving, Brake and Direct Line are calling on all drivers, but men in particular, to pledge to stay off the booze if getting behind the wheel.

Their calls come, as research out today shows male drivers are three times more likely to regularly take to the road after drinking alcohol, than their female counterparts.

A month-long enforcement campaign starting today, led by the Association of Chief Police officers, will step up levels of roadside testing for alcohol as well as highlight the dangers of drink driving. In June 2011, more than 5,000 drivers were caught as part of the drink drive crackdown.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: "Anyone who drives after drinking alcohol - even one drink - is taking a horrendous risk with people's lives.

“We can all help prevent needless drink drive casualties this summer, by pledging to drive sober or not at all and planning ahead; so you friends and family can get home safely from festivities.

“We're particularly appealing to male drivers, to consider the appalling suffering they could cause, and commit to never getting behind the wheel after drinking: not a drop."

Andy Goldby, director of Motor Underwriting and Pricing at Direct Line Car Insurance, said: "Drink driving is one of the most serious crimes a driver can commit and those who chose to do it are not just risking their own lives, but those of other road users.

“The affect alcohol consumption has on someone's ability to drive are well documented. Anyone who gets in a car when they have been drinking, are accepting their actions will endanger others.

“There is no excuse to drink drive. Ensuring you stay within the law and keep the roads safe, is simple; if you know you are going to drink, don't drive, and if you know you are going to drive don't drink."

Survey results

The survey of 800 drivers and riders by Brake and Direct Line found:

• Male drivers are three times more likely to regularly drink and drive as their female counterparts: 9% so do at least monthly compared to 3% of females

• Two in five men (40%) and nearly a third of women (30%) admit getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol in the past year

• Men are more likely to regularly drink drive first thing in the morning after drinking a lot of alcohol the night before (6% do so at least monthly compared to 4% of women)

• Two in five men (43%) and a third of women (33%) admit to driving first thing after a big night in the past year