subject: Tired Driving? Avoid High Energy Drinks! [print this page] Tired Driving? Avoid High Energy Drinks! Tired Driving? Avoid High Energy Drinks!
Drivers who clock up lots of miles each week have been warned not to rely on high energy and caffeinated drinks like red bull to get them through their tiredness. The US National Safety Commission (NSC) has warned that the highs associated with drink and drugs could be replicated when driving under the influence of caffeine. Research has proved that an hour after drinking a high caffeine drink you can experience a slump, serious lapses in concentration and tiredness. In driving terms, it can slow your reaction times and cause accidents. Experts have associated irritability, irregular heartbeats, muscle twitching, rambling speech and nervousness to the come down, which is dangerous in driving terms.
Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: "Energy drinks are good as a quick fix, but they're no substitute for regular breaks. Having a high-caffeine drink is a one-off hit you can't repeat it, as this type of drink does not produce the same effect in a couple of hours' time".
Try beating the tiredness the normal way, by stopping on long journeys; stretching your legs and having a little nap. Share the drive with a friend so that you don't have to do the whole thing yourself, especially if you are on the motorway, as the vast expanse of very similar road can cause additional tiredness. If you start to feel tired when on the move, don't rely on the winding the window down and getting some fresh air, pull over.
If you are planning on taking a long journey, make sure you have valid Car Insurance for the trip.
