Driving while dehydrated can be just as dangerous as drink driving.
Motorists under the influence of alcohol make same number of mistakes as those who haven’t had enough water, say scientists. Drivers who have not had enough water to drink make as many mistakes on the road as those who are under the influence of alcohol, a study has found.
Scientists from Loughborough University tested drivers who had just 25ml of water an hour, and found that they 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.
Even mild dehydration can have a negative impact on mental functions, from reduced concentration and alertness to changes in mood.
With summer just getting into full swing in Britain, the researchers warned that over a long journey being in a hot car can lead to significant losses in water – and particularly advised against not drinking water so as to avoid toilet stops on long journeys.
