Don’t depend on caffeine to stay alert on the roads
dubai — Almost half of the motorists in the UAE grab a cup of coffee to help them stay focused and alert while on the road, but a recent study has warned of the potential dangers of relying too much on caffeine to enhance alertness.
According to a research in the UAE conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Continental, a German technology and tyre brand, “46 per cent of UAE drivers drink coffee to stay alert and 13 per cent of respondents choose carbonated beverages to boost their attention; while 17 and 24 per cent prefer hot chocolate and karak chai, respectively.”
Clinical dietician Dr Dana Al Hamwi, founder of Dr Dana Diet Centre (DDDC) at the Dubai Healthcare City, said: “Studies have shown that a cup of coffee or tea can be a ‘quick-fix’ for tired drivers. But caffeinated drinks shouldn’t be relied upon to maintain focus and concentration when on the roads.”
“Caffeine has no stimulative effect on the brain. Indeed, excessive caffeine consumption can cause symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching and slurred speech. At the same time, drinks that are high in sugar content can actually lead to fatigue,” Dr Al Hamwi continued.
Safety expert Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, added: “Coffee and energy drinks indeed have only a very little capacity to help. Only proper sleep can help. This is especially important in the context of heavy vehicle drivers.”
Edelmann noted that “fatigue related accidents unfortunately play a big role in the commercial segment”. He called on strict rules for maximum driving hours and mandatory rest and sleep times, just like in many countries around the world.
Arif Abdulkarim Almalik, director of Drivers Training and Qualification at the Licensing Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) agrees. “Driving for 10-12 hours will definitely have adverse effects on one’s performance. One can not escape fatigue or lose concentration,” he said.
“Whenever you feel tired, don’t drive. Coffee or any energy drinks are not the solution but it is your responsibility to ensure your safety as well as the others,” Almalik emphasised, sharing his personal experience with long drives. “When I feel tired, I always rest at the next petrol station. I relax for 15-20 minutes before I proceed to drive.”
Continental’s survey asked 1,002 UAE respondents about their habitual caffeine or stimulant intake. They were also asked what they felt the impact to be of not being able to consume their preferred beverage would be. Of these, 27 per cent claimed not having the beverage of choice left them tired and unfocused, with 24 per cent acknowledging it negatively impacted their levels of concentration.