Drivers who fail to drink enough water during long-distance journeys could end up being fined £1,000.
The warning comes as many Brits are planning to take to the roads for getaways or to visit family over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness and loss of focus can lead to drivers being fined for failure to have proper control of a vehicle, automative experts at Leasing Options have warned.
Research from Loughborough University shows that even a mild form of dehydration is equivalent to being over the limit with alcohol when calculating errors in driving, reports Birmingham Live.
"We’re used to checking the water and oil levels of our car before we set off but how many people check their own water levels?" said Mike Thompson, Leasing Options Chief Operating Officer.
"When starting your car before a long-distance journey, you may not think drinking an extra glass of water before leaving the house would affect your driving abilities, but you would be wrong."
"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.”
A previous survey undertaken by the company found that around three in five Brits were unaware of the risks of not having enough water while driving.
But with around 70 per cent of accidents on UK roads believed to be caused by driver error, being dehydrated could potentially be a factor in collisions.
Tips to avoid dehydration include making sure you drink enough water before starting a journey, BirminghamLive reports.
Taking your hands off the steering wheel to drink or eat while driving can also land you in trouble with the police for not being in proper control of your vehicle.
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 re-fill any empty bottles for the rest of the journey.
Drivers are also advised to avoid excessive air-conditioning usage, as this can have a drying effect on the atmosphere. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, tiredness and cramps, as well as headaches.
