A growing number of females are being convicted of driving while intoxicated, according to a new survey.

Figures from Direct Line and the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund found that women accounted for 17 per cent of those convicted of drink-driving in 2012. This compared with just nine per cent in 1998.

Steve Maddock, managing director of claims at Direct Line Group, attributed this upturn partly to a lack of awareness and confusion among females regarding what actually constitutes drink-driving.

Indeed, 60 per cent of those polled admitted they did not know how much alcohol would put them above the limit. 

Furthermore, Mr Maddock noted that some hold the "misguided belief" that driving while over the legal alcohol threshold can be justified in some circumstances.

Figures in the Direct Line/ Rees Jeffreys Road Fund survey indicated that 17 per cent of women drivers believe they have driven while over the limit during the last 12 months.

In addition, 59 per cent of females who owned up to drink-driving said they took to the road because they believed they were okay to drive.

Robert Goodwill, road safety minister, added: "Drink-driving wrecks lives and the personal consequences of a drink-drive conviction can be devastating."

He pointed out that last year, 803 women failed a breathalyser test following an accident. This, he said, is "803 too many" and is one reason why the government is cracking down on those who take to the roads while intoxicated.

Mr Goodwill confirmed a new offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving is being introduced, while loopholes in the law are going to be closed in order to make it easier for drink-drivers to be prosecuted.

The minister added that the government is also working to tackle the "menace" of those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of illegal drugs.