6:19am UK, Tuesday December 14, 2010
This week is predicted to be the busiest for pre-Christmas parties - and research suggests two in five drivers may be over the limit first thing in the morning.
The research from road safety charity Brake and Direct Line insurance suggests a lack of understanding about how long alcohol stays in the body.
Some 38% of drivers and motorcyclists admit driving after a heavy night of drinking.
That is a rise of more than 30% compared with figures out seven years ago.
"There are a number of factors to be taken into account after a late night," Brake's Ellen Booth told Sky News Online.
"As a guide, you should allow at least an hour to absorb alcohol, plus at least one hour for every unit consumed for your body to get rid of the alcohol.
"For example, if you finish three pints of strong lager or one bottle of 12% wine - both nine units - at 11pm, you may not be fit to drive until at least 9am.
Ellen Booth, BrakeDrivers need to understand that it is time, not sleep, that makes the difference.
"And it could take much longer depending on factors such as weight and whether or not you've been drinking on an empty stomach."
The old hopefuls such as coffee, sleep and food will not help either; the only thing that makes a person sober up is time, say campaigners.
Brake does not know why more people appear to be under the influence in the morning.
"One suggestion," said Ms Booth, "is that while the drink-driving message is clearly understood, people do not seem to recognise the potential effects of morning-after drinking.
"Drivers need to understand that it is time, not sleep, that makes the difference."
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