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Does caffeine really keep drivers awake on the road?

On Behalf of | Jun 10, 2021 | Personal Injury

If you’ve ever been driving and noticed someone wasn’t staying on the road well, then you probably have seen a drowsy or distracted driver. For those who are drowsy, their lack of sleep and rest puts them and others at risk.

Drowsiness can be just as dangerous as being distracted or impaired behind the wheel, which is why so many people do actively try to avoid it. One countermeasure that people try is caffeine, but you should know that caffeine isn’t always effective.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, those who become drowsy behind the wheel could drink caffeine in the form of caffeinated beverages like coffee to maximize their alertness in the short term. However, caffeine doesn’t work instantly, it and won’t last forever.

How long does it take for caffeine to be processed by the body?

Caffeine usually takes around 30 minutes before it begins to work by entering into the bloodstream. In the short term, caffeine may help someone stay awake long enough to pull over or reach their destination safely.

On the other hand, caffeine doesn’t always work, so it’s not something people should rely on. For those who drink caffeine regularly, a tolerance may develop in the body. When that happens, the caffeine may no longer have an effect.

Remember, too, that caffeine does wear off. Once it kicks in, the goal should be to reach a rest stop, parking lot or your destination, so that you are no longer driving. At that point, your body may need real rest, so getting a good night’s sleep or taking a nap may help you feel more alert again.

Does caffeine cause any additional problems on the road?

Sometimes it can. Caffeine can cause “caffeine intoxication,” which may lead to restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbances, flushing, excitement and nervous behaviors. On the road, these may translate into road rage or distracted driving, which may end up causing a collision.

Caffeine is a tool that may help in some situations, but results may vary. If you’re driving and are in a motor vehicle accident with someone who was drowsy or hyped up on caffeine, then remember to look into your legal options.

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