Drivers in Britain are not always fully aware of how much alcohol they have consumed before getting behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at an increased risk of being involved in a road accident claims the breathalyser testing kit company AlcoSense.

They say that people are often unaware of the alcohol content in popular drinks they may consume during the course of the day, particularly during hot weather when cold alcoholic drinks may be drunk for refreshment.

The morning after a few drinks is also a time people often don't realise that they too much alcohol in their body to be driving.  17% of drink drive convictions are for morning after offences.

AlcoSense claim that 4 pints on a night out or three large glasses of wine could take up to 12 hours to leave your body, making it illegal to drive for up to 10 hours.

The best advice is not to drink at all if you need to drive, this stops any chance of drink related road accidents occurring.

The Brake charity fundraising manager commented: "Most people don't even consider that after a night of moderate drinking they may still be over the limit to drive well into the next day."

According to alcohol concern, more than 17,000 people were killed or injured in drink-drive accidents during 2004.