Drowsy driving is one of the biggest dangers facing motorists today. Whether you're a professional truck driver or just a commuter suffering from a lack of sleep, you can find help in the form of caffeine.
A recent study published in BMJ looked at how Australian truck drivers were affected by the beverage. The report found that drivers who consumed caffeine were 63 percent less likely to be involved in a car crash than drivers who didn't take any kind of substance. All in all, about 43 percent of drivers use coffee, tea, energy drinks or caffeine pills to stay alert while on the roads.
"Clearly drivers are using caffeinated substances to help them stay awake," Lisa N. Sharwood, one of the study's authors, told The New York Times. "While this may be useful for a period of time ... It isn't sustainable to go without sleep. But caffeine is a useful part of a wider strategy."
Although caffeine isn't a substitute for a good night's sleep, drivers can use it to stave off auto repair and remain conscious of their surroundings while behind the wheel.