Crayfish parties are approaching, ban post-accident drinking
- Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
06.08.2026 - Public holidays and celebrations unfortunately often lead to an increase in drink-driving. It is important to maintain respect for drink-driving laws and update them to close unusual legal loopholes.
“Crayfish parties are a cherished tradition where food and drink often take centre stage, but they are also a good opportunity to reinforce the message that alcohol and driving do not belong together,” says Jacob Sidenvall of the Swedish National Association M Sverige. “It is time to ban what is known as post-accident drinking.”
Celebrations require respect for traffic rules
During major holidays, the risk of encountering an impaired driver on the road increases. Crayfish parties do not have the same status as Midsummer or Easter, so traffic volumes are not affected in quite the same way. However, the pattern seen in police sobriety checks is well established.
“Many drink-drivers are detected by the police during morning checks,” says Jacob Sidenvall. “This suggests that many people overestimate how quickly they have recovered after a celebration. It is essential to be cautious and not take risks in traffic the day after drinking.”
Post-accident drinking is still not illegal
One problem that consumes valuable police investigative resources and sometimes allows drink-drivers to escape punishment is so-called post-accident drinking. People seeking to evade justice may claim that they quickly consumed alcohol after stopping their vehicle. This is still not illegal in Sweden, despite the issue having been investigated previously.
There have been both single-vehicle and collision accidents in which people claim that they drank strong alcohol afterwards to calm themselves down, when in reality they may be attempting to conceal the fact that they had been driving while impaired.
“This is based on the idea that attempting to conceal one’s criminal conduct should not itself be illegal,” says Jacob Sidenvall. “The issue was investigated in 2013, and the conclusion was to maintain that principle, but much has changed since then. It is illegal to leave the scene of a road accident or a wildlife collision, and the government is working to eventually make escaping from prison illegal. It is high time to make it illegal to consume alcohol after being involved in a road accident. It is enormously frustrating that this excuse can still be used to avoid punishment.”
New legislation is needed to provide justice for victims
Traffic during major holidays needs to become safer. Every year, approximately 40 per cent more fatal accidents occur during holiday periods than during ordinary weeks. This year, the Swedish Transport Administration introduced overtaking bans and lower speed limits on selected road sections during Easter to reduce traffic speeds.
“But action against post-accident drinking could also take a major step forward,” says Jacob Sidenvall. “Norway has had legislation against this since the 1950s. It is obvious that this practice should be stopped here as well. In some cases, it could be crucial in ensuring that victims receive justice.”
The Swedish National Association M Sverige is calling for it to become illegal for a person to be under the influence of alcohol during the hours immediately following a road accident in which they have been involved.
With around 60,000 members, the Swedish National Association M Sverige is Sweden's largest consumer organization for motorists. We work to promote sustainable, safe, and accessible mobility, and we support the ambition to achieve a fossil-independent vehicle fleet by 2030. Together with our 28 local clubs, we inspect road quality and compliance with traffic regulations across the country. M Sverige conducts vigorous, long-term advocacy work for the benefit of Sweden’s motorists.
