UAE drivers need coffee to remain alert
46% of participants in a survey said caffeine helps them stay awake while on the road
Coffee is helping many drivers in the UAE stay alert on the road, according to a survey.
The study, commissioned by Continental as part of its Vison Zero safety initiative, and conducted by YouGov, reveals how drivers turn to different types of caffeinated drinks to help them maintain concentration, but warns of the dangers of relying on certain types of drinks to enhance levels of alertness.
The survey asked 1,002 UAE respondents about their habitual drink intake as well as what is the impact of not being able to consume their preferred drink.
Of these, 27 per cent claimed that not having their drink of choice left them tired and unfocused, with 24 per cent acknowledging it negatively impacted their concentration.
Just 16 per cent turn to energy drinks as opposed to 46 per cent who choose coffee. While the most popular drink overall was tea, far fewer — 39 percent — drink it to benefit from any extra ‘kick’ it gives them.
Just 13 per cent of respondents choose carbonated beverages to boost alertness, with this figure rising to 17 per cent and 24 per cent for drinkers of hot chocolate and karak chai respectively.
Road safety continues to be a major issue in the UAE, with recent figures from the Ministry of Interior and National Transport Authority showing that 725 people lost their lives on the country’s roads in 2016.
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority highlighted that poor concentration, inattentiveness and tiredness raise the likelihood of crashes.
Speaking on the findings, Dr Dana Al Hamwi, a DHA-certified clinical dietician, founder of Dr Dana Diet Centre in Dubai Drink enough water to boost concentration. Avoid snacks with high salt or sugar content Eat regular meals and consume fruit and vegetables Avoid medications that cause drowsiness Chew gum to increase focus and reduce tension Smaller healthy snacks are better than big meals Have healthy snacks, including carrots, celery, grapes, cheese sticks and grilled chicken strips Follow your body clock and take breaks on long trips Make sure fresh air circulates inside the vehicle 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 on the road.
“Caffeine has no stimulation on the brain, but excessive consumption can cause irritability, nervousness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching and slurred speech. At the same time, drinks that are high in sugar content can lead to fatigue,” Dr Al Hamwi added.