Fatigue has long been an issue plaguing the long distance trucking industry and now Australian research into the effects of caffeinated drinks may have just provided a solution.

The research on the effects of these caffeinated drinks on the performance of long distance truckies has been published in the British Medical Journal according to an article on https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1303/major-research-backs-caffeine-on-crash-risk.

The study found that although a good night’s sleep is the best remedy for fatigue, caffeine may help drivers stay awake and alert during a long journey. In fact the research found that consuming caffeinated drinks reduced the likelihood of crashing by 63 per cent.

The study, conducted between 2008 and 2011 in New South Wales and Western Australia looked at long distance drivers whose vehicle mass was at least 12 tonnes. 43 per cent of the drivers surveyed consumed caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and caffeine tablets in order to stay awake. The study compared 530 drivers who crashed their vehicle while on a long distance trip with 517 drivers who had not had a crash in the previous 12 months.

An alarming finding of the research was that 3 per cent of the drivers reported using illegal drugs as stimulant such as amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine.

The following is an excerpt from the article on Fullyloaded.com.au:

“While comprehensive mandated strategies for fatigue management remain a priority, the use of caffeinated substances could be a useful adjunct strategy in the maintenance of alertness while driving,” the study concludes.

Its authors add that: “Napping during breaks when tired is also strongly recommended; yet this is obviously not enforceable.

“In our study, only 70 percent of drivers reported having stopped for a nap when tired, and, although we did not probe in detail regarding impediments to nap taking, the numbers suggest that it is not a strategy considered as favourable as others for the management of fatigue.

“While it is clear that taking breaks is a vital fatigue management strategy for long distance drivers, it is possible that the different activities undertaken during a break would contribute differently to a driver’s fatigue or alertness level.

“The varying extent to which activities such as taking a nap, drinking a cup of coffee, or going for a short walk contribute to subsequent vigilance behind the wheel are not well understood and are therefore recommended for further study.”

Lead author Lisa Sharwood of The George Institute and the University of Sydney says that the results should be interpreted cautiously.

Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1303/major-research-backs-caffeine-on-crash-risk

The study does show that consuming caffeine can significantly reduce the driver’s likelihood of crashing especially long distance commercial drivers.

Although caffeine has been found to enhance alertness while driving, it should be noted that in the long term consuming caffeine to stay awake will negatively affect your health and is no replacement for proper, sound sleep. In fact it may cause you to be more tired once its effects wear off.

The researchers do warn that the benefits of caffeinated drinks for staying awake and alert are short lived because there is no substitute for having regular breaks, napping and appropriate work schedules, all part of good fatigue management.