Research has shown that just an hour after drinking a highly caffeinated and sugared drink, tired drivers can experience serious lapses in concentration and slower reaction times as the drink wears off.
Excessive caffeine consumption can cause similar symptoms to alcohol intoxication according to the American Food and Drink Administration (FDA) which has attributed symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching and rambling speech to what it terms 'caffeine intoxication'.
IAM Fleet says long-distance drivers should stop every two hours for at least 20 minutes. They should also consider stopping overnight on long-haul journeys.
Sharing the driving with someone else is also advised, and if a driver starts to feel tired, they should find a safe place to stop and rest.
