New research from car insurance expert MoneySuperMarket has examined how UK drivers use caffeine to stay alert and found that many are unaware of how much they are consuming and the effect it can have on their driving skills.
More than a third of drivers (37%) say they have a caffeinated drink before setting off, while almost 44% stop during a journey for a caffeine boost.
However, just 10% of drivers surveyed knew that up to 400mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for most healthy adults, while 33% were completely unaware of the recommendation.
Instant coffee is the most popular caffeinated drink among drivers, followed by English breakfast tea and caffeinated soft drinks. Energy drinks ranked fifth.
The amount of caffeine can vary significantly between drinks. A large 473ml can of Bang Energy contains around 300mg – 75% of the recommended daily amount for adults. Meanwhile, a grande pumpkin cream cold brew contains approximately 185mg, or 46% of the daily recommendation.
The research also found that 10% of drivers consume four or more cans of Diet Coke a day, accounting for around 44% of the recommended daily caffeine intake.
For professional drivers, the issue is not simply the amount consumed in one drink, but the cumulative intake over a working day.
Caffeine can temporarily increase alertness and concentration, but excessive consumption can have unwanted effects. A ‘caffeine crash’ can result in a sudden drop in energy, mood and focus when its effects wear off.
Pharmacist Deborah Grayson, who partnered with MoneySuperMarket for the research, said: “After the effects wear off you can feel less alert or focused, but if you feel extreme tiredness, problems concentrating, you’re irritable and you have a headache, that may indicate a caffeine crash.”
Almost three in 10 drivers (28%) say they have felt jittery, shaky or “on edge” after drinking caffeinated drinks.
MoneySuperMarket car insurance expert Alicia Hempsted said: “Caffeine may provide a temporary boost, but it shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for proper rest.
“Driver fatigue plays a part in around 20% of serious road accidents, so managing alertness safely should be a priority for anyone spending long periods behind the wheel.
“The Highway Code advises taking regular breaks, ideally every two hours, and avoiding late-night journeys between midnight and 6am when alertness naturally dips. Planning rest stops, staying hydrated and recognising the signs of fatigue can all help drivers stay safer on the road.”
