With temperatures set to soar over the coming days, drivers are being warned that being dehydrated at the wheel can be as dangerous as drink-driving. In fact, experts from Leasing Options have said that motorists risk a £1,000 fine if they cannot properly control their vehicle due to dehydration symptoms such as dizziness and loss of focus.
Research carried out by Loughborough University found that even a mild form of dehydration is the equivalent of being over the limit when calculating errors in driving. Signs of dehydration include dizziness or light-headedness, headaches, tiredness and dry mouth, lips, and eyes.
If you are dehydrated, you will likely experience one of these symptoms - and they could have a big impact on your driving ability. Any of these could lead to a £1,000 fine for failure to have proper control of the vehicle.
Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, said: “Before a long car journey, we’re focused on checking our vehicle's water and oil levels before setting off, but how many people check their own water levels? Ahead of a long-distance road trip, you might reduce your water intake before leaving the house to avoid unplanned stops.
"But not drinking enough water before getting behind the wheel can actually affect your driving abilities. It can lead to dehydration - common symptoms include dizziness and headaches. Drinking more water will not only have a positive effect on the body, but will also prevent the chance of dizziness or loss of focus because of it.”
Tips to avoid dehydration while driving
1. Drink water before your journey
In the UK it is recommended to drink six to eight glasses of fluid per day. However, if you are going to be spending a lot of time driving, it’s unlikely that you will get a chance to do this. This is why it's recommended to have a glass of water before setting off on your journey to ensure you’re hydrated before the trip.
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2. Keep a water bottle handy
Once you set off on your journey it can be more difficult to keep your water intake topped up as you drive. However, you should make sure you have a water bottle handy so that you can take a drink when able to.
3. Take regular breaks
On long car journeys the driver should always take a break to rest before restarting the journey again. This is also a good time to drink water and refill any empty bottles for the rest of the journey.
4. Avoid excessive air-conditioning usage, as this can have a drying effect on the atmosphere.
A side effect of overusing air conditioning in your car is that it can have a drying effect on the atmosphere which, if the humidity drops low enough, could cause mild dehydration.
