Caffeine Helps Truck Drivers Avoid Accidents

It is called the most popular drug in the world, and is easily one of the most consumed beverages on the planet. There’s no doubt that Americans are addicted to their coffee. However, new research finds that caffeine could actually help save lives and prevent injuries in truck accidents.

The research finds that truck drivers, who take caffeine on a regular basis, including caffeine from coffee, tea, energy drinks and other sources, are much less likely to be involved in an accident.

The study was conducted in Australia where researchers analyzed data involving 530 truck drivers who had recently been involved in an accident, comparing them with 517 truck drivers who had not been involved in the crash. They found in the analysis, that the truck drivers, who consumed caffeine, were approximately 60% less likely to be involved in an accident, compared to drivers whose caffeine intake was not high.

The reasons for this are not surprising to Houston truck accident lawyers. When caffeine enters the bloodstream, it has a situating effect on the system. In fact, the stimulating effects of the caffeine can be seen just minutes after it is consumed. Therefore, caffeine increases alertness, and causes insomnia, or keeps away drowsiness.

It’s easy to understand why truck drivers who are feeling sleepy would be advised to drink coffee. That doesn’t mean however, that a truck driver needs no rest at all, and can simply drink coffee to keep driving safely. A driver must have frequent rest in order to stay alert, stay focused and drive responsibly.

However, the study does seem to indicate that coffee can be used as a temporary measure to avoid sleepiness, and to keep driving safely.