Driving Under the Influence of Caffeine: What Does Science Say?

Driving Under the Influence of Caffeine: What Does Science Say?

Driving Under the Influence of Caffeine: What Does Science Say?

Lucy Wyndham
15 July 2019

On August 5, 2015, a man by the name of Joseph Schwab was pulled over by police in Solano County, CA and charged with driving under the influence of caffeine. The 36-year-old man tested 0.00 on a blood alcohol test, and though his blood tests showed only the presence of caffeine, he was still charged with a misdemeanor. Many peculiar things happen on the road, that’s for certain. However, a DUI issued for caffeine use may trump all other oddities. For the 85% of Americans over the age of 18 that consume it daily, it poses the question: can caffeine affect your driving ability?

The Shocking Truth

With 85% of the US population partaking in caffeine use everyday, it’s no wonder it’s also one of the most researched components in food, particularly beverages. Nearly half of caffeine drinking Americans opt for coffee as a morning beverage, with an increasing desire for brewing it at home versus buying at a coffee shop everyday. Either way, a large portion of people on the road to work or school in the early hours have had their daily ‘cuppa’ before their commute. The affects, according to research, are a mixed bag, with the potential to be both beneficial and risky.

Brain-Boosting Benefits

On the positive side of caffeine effects, studies show that caffeine travels to the brain quickly and delivers a boost of mental focus and concentration. That means that moderate consumption can lend better focus and faster reaction times in drivers. This is good news for groggy or slightly sleep-deprived individuals; fatigue accounts for 328,000 accidents each year, but a moderate dose of caffeine has been found to significantly improve driving performance in sleep-deprived drivers. A moderate dose is considered to be about 200 mg of caffeine, which is what is present in the average cup of coffee. Perhaps the morning commuters are onto something!

Unintended Consequences

While an average dose of caffeine has proven to be beneficial, more does not equate to better in the case of this stimulant. Unfortunately, some people rely on excessive amounts of caffeine in lieu of sleep and/or a good diet. Like any substance, it’s possible to consume too much; this is where the risks to driving come into play. If an individual has consumed a large amount of caffeine, they may be limited to stomach upset or feeling jittery.

On the other hand, they could experience anxiety, panic attacks, irregular heart beat, irritability, and restlessness. These symptoms can lead to jumpiness, a “crash” in energy resulting in drowsiness, and attention deficit, which are what can make driving under the influence of caffeine a risky venture. Still, when consumed responsibly, caffeine poses no threat to road safety, and can improve driving when taken in a regular, moderate amount.

Given these science-backed points, it’s safe to safe caffeine is here to stay- and safe for driving when it’s taken in a normal quantity. So enjoy your morning coffee or lunch time cola in confidence.