Frequently asked questions

Q. How much coffee should I drink to stay awake?
A. Research shows that taking a 30 minute break from driving and drinking one to two cups of coffee (providing about 150 mg of caffeine), and then taking short nap of 15 minutes, is the most effective way of alleviating driver fatigue.

Q. How long before the caffeine in a cup of coffee takes effect?
A. Up to two cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours, but it takes on average 20-30 minutes to take effect. It is recommended to drink a cup of coffee at the beginning of a break and before taking a nap. On a long journey the advice is to take a break every two hours.

Q. Can coffee help sober you up if you drink alcohol?
A. A common myth, but not true! Coffee will not reduce the effects of alcohol nor does it increase your ability to break down the alcohol you drink.

Q. Does eating a bar of chocolate have the same effect as drinking coffee, as it also contains caffeine?
A. A 50g (2oz) bar of milk chocolate contains around 40 mg of caffeine whereas an average cup of coffee contains 80-150 mg of caffeine – the amount needed to alleviate tiredness

Q. I'm told that playing the car radio very loud or singing is actually all I need to keep me awake. Is that correct?
A. Sadly no. Such actions may even distract a driver from being as aware of their sleepiness and poor driving.

Q. Is coffee more beneficial to alertness at certain times of the day?
A. Most sleep related accidents happen when the body's circadian rhythm or natural clock, is at its low points: between 2.00 and 6.00, and mid afternoon between 14.00 and 16.00. However drinking one or two cups of coffee at any time when feeling sleepy will be effective in helping to keep you alert

Q. I am about to set off on a long distance holiday and will be doing most of the driving when we arrive after the flight. What advice would you give me?
A. Even if you have had sufficient sleep, jet lag will often cause daytime drowsiness so long distant driving should be avoided after a lengthy flight and when suffering from jet lag
Follow the basic principles of safer driving - don't drive if you are feeling drowsy. The only safe thing to do is to take a break - stop driving, drink one or two cups of coffee and take a nap for about 15 minutes.

Q. I often have to drive a long distance after I finish my shift at work. What advice would you give me?
A. Most sleep related accidents happen when the body's circadian rhythm or natural clock, is at its low points: between 2.00 and 6.00, and mid afternoon between 14.00 and 16.00. So be particularly vigilant if you are driving at these times and be very aware of the signs of sleepiness. If you are aware of any signs of being tired when you are a driver, the only safe thing to do is to take a break - stop driving, drink one or two cups of coffee and take a nap for about 15 minutes.

Q. How do I know if I am risk?
A. There are a number of warning signs that drivers should heed as signs of sleepiness:
- Constant yawning
- Tired or sore eyes or going out of focus
- Difficulty in keeping your head up
- Poor lane discipline
- Slow reactions
- Lack of concentration or day dreaming
- Erratic speed
- Difficulty in remembering the last few miles or kilometres
If you are aware of any of these when you are a driver, the only safe thing to do is to take a break - stop driving, drink one or two cups of coffee and take a nap for about 15 minutes.