You may not think about getting dehydrated while driving, but it happens. Maybe you don’t want to stop for a bathroom break on a long trip, or maybe you just don’t feel thirsty. Alarmingly, being dehydrated while driving can cause just as much danger as someone who has been drinking and driving.

Study on Dehydrated Drivers

A recent study by the European Hydration Institute and Loughborough University in the UK found that dehydrated drivers are just as dangerous as drunk drivers. Researchers split a group in two mildly dehydrated and more hydrated and gave them the same driving test. They found that the mild dehydration group had higher, more consistent errors than the more hydrated group (101 compared to 47).

They concluded that, along with the errors, the overall performance of the mild dehydration group was comparable to a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent (US legal driving limit).

Hydrate Yourself

drinking water while drivingTo combat dehydration, the National Academy of Medicine says that approximately 13 cups of water for men and 9 cups for women is sufficient enough water to consume in one day. But that doesn’t mean you have to drink that many cups. You can satisfy the daily amount through other food and drink sources.

Although water is the best option, you can mix it up by drinking juices, milk, and sometimes tea and soup. As for food, there are many fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water:

  • Vegetables – cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and carrots
  • Fruits – apples, strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and pineapple

If you want to make these fruits and veggies more travel-friendly, making a smoothie will also help keep you hydrated. A bonus to smoothies is the additional essential nutrients, such as potassium and calcium. It’s a win-win!

Bottom Line

Your safety behind the wheel is important. Making sure you’re properly hydrated before and during your trip can keep you alert and awake. At the same time, if your car search has gone dry, and your bad credit is holding you back, let Drivers Lane help.

We work with a nationwide network of special finance dealers who have the lending specialists available to work with people who have credit challenges. Begin today by filling out our free, no-obligation auto loan request form.