More people are killed and injured in alcohol-related collisions in California during August than in any other month, according to an analysis by the Automobile Club of Southern California.

The analysis looks at a five-year period from 1999-2003. During that time, 618 persons were killed and 13,853 were injured statewide in alcohol-related collisions in August, for a total of 14,471. July was number two with 624 deaths and 13,732 injuries, for a total of 14,356. February had the lowest number of deaths and injuries with 456 deaths and 11,293 injuries.

"Summer vacations and recreational activities often include alcohol consumption," said Steven Bloch, senior research associate for the Automobile Club of Southern California. "Everyone needs to be aware that even one drink can negatively impact judgment. Too many people wrongly feel that they are fine to drive when, in fact, their judgment, reaction time and perspective are clouded by alcohol."

The Auto Club analysis also indicates that a motorist convicted of a first-time DUI offense in California currently faces a total cost of $12,116. The cost includes minimum fines, $468; penalties, $780; vehicle towing and impound, $187; alcohol education class, $500; increase in auto insurance, $7,300; victim restitution fund, $100; DMV license re-issue fee, $125; booking, fingerprinting and photo fee, $156, and attorney and legal fees, $2,500.

Bloch stressed that despite stricter laws and enforcement, as well as increased education, the number of alcohol-related deaths and injuries is on the rise. "Each of the past five years has seen a rise in the number of people killed," Bloch said. "This follows 10 straight years of declines."

Bloch also noted that the number of persons injured in alcohol-related crashes decreased 2 percent in 2003 after rising for the previous three years.

The Auto Club has produced an information pamphlet entitled "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." It is available at all 68 Auto Club offices in Southern California.