With a mini-heatwave predicted for the UK, Leasing Options has warned drivers of the dangers of dehydration.

Drivers are being urged to recognise the dangers of driving while dehydrated during the upcoming weekend and summer months, as the UK faces scorching temperatures.

Research conducted by 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.

Road Safety GB’s director of communications Iain Temperton 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.”

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.

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.

Leasing Options’ sales and marketing director Mike Thompson said: “At Leasing Options we pride ourselves on our safety measures and we think British drivers need to be more aware of the risks and symptoms of dehydrated driving during the hot Bank Holiday and summer weather to make our roads a safer place.

“The hot weather can sometimes take us by surprise in Britain. Drivers may not think drinking an extra glass of water before leaving the house can affect their driving abilities, but it could decrease chances of an accident.”

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