Relating to driving, it’s clearly established that alcohol is a giant no. However what if there could possibly be one other issue making your driving expertise simply as harmful? As per science, even delicate ranges of dehydration may be as harmful as drunk driving. However how a lot of it’s true? Is it simply an exaggeration or an precise sensible concern? With all these questions, we reached out to Arpita Kohli, a psychologist at PSRI Hospital, to discover the correlation between thirst and the chance of a street accident.
How does dehydration have an effect on the mind and physique, and what are the frequent indicators whereas driving?
“Dehydration reduces the quantity of fluid within the physique, which straight impacts mind perform and muscle efficiency,” explains Kohli. Even delicate dehydration can result in fatigue, slower response occasions, and issue focusing.
“Whereas driving, this implies the mind might not course of info rapidly sufficient, and the physique might not reply as successfully to sudden conditions on the street,” she provides.
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However how will you recognise in case you are dehydrated? Kholi suggests searching for frequent indicators comparable to dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, tiredness, and diminished alertness. “Delicate signs like irritability, issue concentrating, muscle cramps, or blurred imaginative and prescient may seem, all of which might intrude with protected driving,” Kohli factors out.
A dehydrated driver might drift between lanes, react extra slowly to hazards, or miss vital indicators, which might put them and others in danger (supply: unsplash)
Can dehydration impair focus and reflexes as a lot as alcohol, and the way harmful is it for driving?
Kohli cautions that dehydration can certainly impair focus and reflexes in methods similar to alcohol. “Whereas it might not trigger the similar degree of impairment as heavy consuming, the results can nonetheless be harmful. A dehydrated driver might drift between lanes, react extra slowly to hazards, or miss vital indicators, which might put them and others in danger.”
Kohli’s declare is backed by science. A 2024 Behavioural Science & Digital Well being trial confirmed that drivers who’re dehydrated have 40% slower response occasions and 50% extra missed cues than well-hydrated drivers. “Simply as alcohol impairs judgment, dehydration impacts focus and motor abilities,” Kohli explains whereas drawing the parallel between the 2.
“A dehydrated driver could also be slower to hit the brakes, misjudge distances, or lose focus, growing the chance of accidents. This threat is particularly excessive on lengthy journeys the place alertness is crucial.”
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Delicate signs like irritability, issue concentrating, muscle cramps, or blurred imaginative and prescient may seem, all of which might intrude with protected driving (supply: unsplash)
Is dehydration regular or an indication of an underlying situation, and when ought to somebody seek the advice of a physician?
Whereas dehydration sometimes happens when somebody shouldn’t be consuming sufficient water, particularly throughout lengthy journeys or in scorching climate, it might typically sign an underlying well being concern.
“Frequent or extreme dehydration might counsel issues like diabetes, kidney points, or hormonal imbalances. If somebody turns into dehydrated in a short time or repeatedly, it’s price consulting a physician,” Kohli advises.
Equally, if there are any uncommon signs alongside dehydration like “fainting, persistent fatigue, or confusion” a physician must be consulted. “If a driver struggles to remain hydrated even after consuming water, it might point out an underlying well being drawback that requires medical analysis.”
Thus, even when consuming water earlier than hitting the street could appear insignificant, it’s a essential street security behavior, identical to chopping out on alcohol earlier than getting behind the wheel.
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DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
