Drunk on caffeine?

Motorists who use high-energy drinks to stay alert behind the wheel are as dangerous to other road users as drunk drivers, according to a new study. And teenagers, sales reps and truckers are among the worst offenders, the AA has told Auto Express.

The reason is down to the drinks’ caffeine content, a study by US scientists has revealed. It found excessive consumption can cause muscle twitching, irregular or rapid heartbeat and lapses in concentration; symptoms normally associated with being drunk.

The result is that, after an initial burst of energy, drivers relying on the caffeine drinks to stay awake on long journeys can instead suffer a serious tiredness relapse.

Figures obtained from the British Soft Drinks Association also reveal that energy drink sales in the UK are soaring. Between 2002 and 2008 there was a 74.1 per cent increase, and last year the average person consumed over
six litres of the caffeine-filled drinks.

An Institute of Advanced Motorists spokesperson said: “Having a high-caffeine drink is a one-off hit – you can’t repeat it, as they don’t produce the same effect in a couple of hours’ time.”