You might want to stock your car with a bottle of water after this…
Scientists have revealed that dehydrated drivers made double the number of errors compared to those who were properly hydrated – but roughly the same number as someone who has consumed the legal limit of alcohol.
According to The Telegraph, scientists at Loughborough University found that drivers with even mild levels of dehydration were reportedly less alert, more prone to changes in mood and had reduced concentration.
Published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour, Professor Ron Maughan took male drivers through a series of lab-based driving simulation tests.
The drivers were tested over two days. One day they were tested after being given 200ml of water every hour, and another day they were given just 25ml.
While the average participants racked up roughly 47 driving mistakes during the trial while normally hydrated, that number rose up to 101 on the ‘dry’ day.
Speaking about the study, Professor Maughan said:
“We all deplore drink driving, but we don’t usually think about the effects of other things that affect our driving skills, and one of those is not drinking and dehydration.
“There is no question that driving while incapable through drink or drugs increases the risk of accidents, but our findings highlight an unrecognised danger and suggest that drivers should be encouraged to make sure they are properly hydrated.”
