1 2 Alertness is critical to safety for the driver and other road users as lapses of vigilance in relation to the task of driving can increase the likelihood of crashing.
Long distance drivers of commercial motor vehicles routinely experience monotonous and extended driving periods in a sedentary position this, combined with the disruption to circadian rhythms linked to the common requirement of night driving, has been associated with wake time drowsiness.
While comprehensive mandated strategies for fatigue management remain a priority, the use of caffeinated substances could be a useful adjunct strategy in the maintenance of alertness while driving. After adjustment for potential confounders, drivers who consumed caffeinated substances for this purpose had a 63% reduced likelihood of crashing (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.27 to 0.50) compared with drivers who did not take caffeinated substances.Ĭonclusions Caffeinated substances are associated with a reduced risk of crashing for long distance commercial motor vehicle drivers. Only 3% reported using illegal stimulants such as amphetamine (“speed”) 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) and cocaine. Results Forty three percent of drivers reported consuming substances containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, caffeine tablets, or energy drinks for the express purpose of staying awake. Main outcome measure The likelihood of a crash associated with the use of substances containing caffeine after adjustment for factors including age, health disorders, sleep patterns, and symptoms of sleep disorders as well as exposures such as kilometres driven, hours slept, breaks taken, and night driving schedules. Participants 530 long distance drivers of commercial vehicles who were recently involved in a crash attended by police (cases) and 517 control drivers who had not had a crash while driving a commercial vehicle in the past 12 months. Setting New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA), Australia. Objective To determine whether there is an association between use of substances that contain caffeine and the risk of crash in long distance commercial vehicle drivers.
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