Drivers reminded to avoid driving when dehydrated

Drivers are being urged to recognise the dangers of driving while dehydrated, which can have the same effects as drink driving.

Research conducted by vehicle leasing company Leasing Options revealed that more than two in three (67%) UK drivers fail to recognise major symptoms of dehydration, including slower reaction times, loss of focus and muscle cramps, potentially putting themselves and others at risk behind the wheel.

Health authorities recommend drinking around two litres of water a day, but Leasing Options found that 37% of those surveyed are only drinking one litre of water a day, with 18% drinking less than one litre a day.

The results of the Leasing Options survey also suggested that men are more aware of the risks involved than women, with 62% of male drivers admitting to being aware in comparison to 55% of female drivers.

Overall, 84% of drivers think drink driving is more dangerous than dehydrated driving, despite a study conducted by Loughborough University revealing that mild dehydration is equivalent to being over the drink driving limit with regard to its impact on driver errors.

Iain Temperton, Director of Communications at Road Safety GB, said: “Before you start a journey you should make sure your vehicle is prepared, but just as importantly you should ensure that you are ready and fit to drive. Driving on our ever more congested network is a task that requires full concentration. Making sure you are fully hydrated is a vital part of that process; the safety of vulnerable road users around you depends upon it.”