The key facts

  • Energy drinks are not prohibited while driving, but they do not eliminate the effects of sleep deprivation
  • The doctor called them only an additional measure, not a substitute for rest
  • When drowsy behind the wheel, drivers are advised to stop and rest

A doctor warned about the dangers of energy drinks behind the wheel

Energy drinks are not prohibited for drivers, but using them as a way to fight fatigue is dangerous. This was stated by Ruslan Isaev, a psychiatrist-narcologist and head of the Isaev Clinic, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru. According to him, caffeine and taurine can indeed boost alertness and reduce drowsiness for a while, but they do not eliminate the effects of sleep deprivation and do not restore attention and reaction speed to the level of a well-rested person.

A deceptive feeling of alertness

If a driver is very tired, an energy drink can create the deceptive impression that they are able to continue the journey safely, the specialist noted. Caffeine can temporarily improve some driving-related indicators, but it can only serve as an additional fatigue-prevention measure, not a substitute for proper rest. The doctor also pointed out the downside: in large quantities, energy drinks cause a rapid heartbeat, trembling, nervousness and increased agitation, and such reactions interfere with concentration and make driving unsafe.

What to do when tired on the road

According to the doctor's conclusion, one can of an energy drink does not automatically make a person a dangerous driver, and a moderate amount of caffeine can briefly boost alertness. But if a person is nodding off, losing concentration and finding it hard to keep an eye on the road, the right decision is to stop in a safe place and rest. Earlier, as the outlet recalls, a somnologist explained why coffee can make you feel sleepy.