Dehydration And Driving A Deadly Mix

Drinking while driving could save your life.

Though before you get ahead of yourself, down a few beers and jump on the highway, we’re talking about water.

New research published in the journal Physiology and Behavior has shown driving while dehydrated is just hazardous as driving drunk.

The study from Britain’s Loughborough University saw drivers carry out simulated tests when they were both hydrated and dehydrated. The hydrated drivers were given a cup of fluid to drink per hour while the dehydrated drivers were only given a few sips of liquid per hour.

Undertaking tests that included a two-hour monotonous drive with bends, a hard shoulder, rumble strips and slow-moving vehicles that needed to be passed, the hydrated drivers recorded 47 driving incidents while the dehydrated drivers recorded an alarming 101.

Lead researcher Dr Ron Maughan explains that dehydration results in our brain function becoming conserved, severely impacting our reaction time, focus and concentration levels.

A good way to check your hydration is as simple as looking in the toilet. Your pee should be light yellow or clear; if it’s yellow or dark orange, chances are you’re probably dehydrated.

While stopovers for toilet breaks during a long trip might seem like a waste of time, surely it’s a small price to pay to ensure a safe arrival.

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