Later pub closing times have led to an increase in early morning drunk-driving accidents in the U.K., the Daily Telegraph reported Sept. 26.

While overall drunk-driving accidents have declined over the past decade, the increase in early-hour accidents may be the result of later pub closing, with more patrons remaining intoxicated when they get up and drive the morning after drinking.

Government statistics show the number of drunk-driving accidents beginning to rise after 3 a.m.; at 10 a.m., the number of accidents is 50 percent higher than they were before extended pub hours were introduced.

"This is the first time that we have seen a detailed breakdown of drink-drive accidents by time of day," said Robert Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. Even though the overall numbers are down, the "big gains have been in killed and serious-injury accidents." Gifford said.

Other factors also may be contributing to the trend, experts said. "I don't think people know how much they are drinking," and many also don't realize how long alcohol stays in their bloodstream, said Andrew Howard, the head of road safety at the U.K. Automobile Association.

Warning messages about the dangers of "morning after" drinking were printed on 10 million milk cartons last year, and the British government is considering strengthening drunk-driving laws, including allowing for random breath testing for alcohol use.