A long drive home for the holidays or a late-night trip down the highway can leave you feeling heavy-eyed. Many drivers reach for a drink to stay sharp, and the right choice can help you feel fresher for a while.
Still, no drink can replace proper sleep. This guide looks at three common drinks for driving, how to use each one sensibly and what to do when tiredness sets in anyway.
Why staying alert matters on Malaysian roads
Tiredness affects your reaction time and your judgement long before you actually fall asleep. In the worst case, it can lead to microsleep, a short episode of sleep that lasts only a few seconds and often happens without warning.
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has highlighted microsleep as a major contributor to road crashes in Malaysia, with around 20 per cent of cases reported each year linked to it. A few seconds with your eyes closed at highway speed is enough to cover a long stretch of road with no one in control.
For a full look at the warning signs and causes, read our guide on microsleep while driving. This article focuses on what you drink before and during the journey.
3 drinks that can help you stay fresh while driving
1. Coffee
Coffee is the go-to drink for many Malaysian drivers, and for good reason. Caffeine is known to boost alertness and can help you feel more awake for a period of time.
The key is moderation. According to Pantai Hospital, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day, or around four cups of coffee, is considered safe for most healthy adults. Limits can differ depending on your age, weight and health conditions.
Drinking too much at once can backfire. Excess caffeine may raise your heart rate, cause palpitations and leave you feeling jittery or anxious, none of which helps you drive safely. Spread your cups out instead of downing several before you set off.
2. Energy drinks
Energy drinks also contain caffeine, and some people find them a quick pick-me-up on the road. Treat them with the same caution as coffee, or more.
Caffeine content varies widely between brands and can sizes, so check the label before you drink. Some energy drinks also contain a lot of sugar. Having too many in a short time can leave you restless, shaky or with a headache, and the boost wears off eventually.
If you have already had coffee earlier, count that caffeine too. Mixing several caffeinated drinks in one trip makes it easy to take in more than you realise.
3. Plain water
Plain water may be the simplest and most underrated of the three. It is cheap, easy to find at any petrol station or R&R, and you can sip it throughout your drive without worrying about caffeine.
Staying hydrated matters because tiredness and headaches are among the signs of dehydration listed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. A long drive in hot weather with the air conditioning on can leave you drier than you think.
The Ministry’s general guide is 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Keep a bottle within easy reach in the car, and take small sips regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
Quick comparison
Drink
How it may help
What to watch out for
Coffee
Caffeine can boost alertness for a while
Too much may cause palpitations, jitters or anxiety
Energy drinks
Quick source of caffeine on the go
Caffeine and sugar levels vary, so check the label
Plain water
Keeps you hydrated and helps you avoid tiredness from dehydration
Sip regularly instead of drinking a lot at once
Drinks to avoid before and during a drive
Alcohol has no place in your journey. It slows your reactions, affects your judgement and can make you drowsy, so never drink and drive.
Be careful with very sugary drinks and heavy meals right before a long trip too. Some people feel sluggish after a big, rich meal, so a lighter meal before you set off may help you stay comfortable behind the wheel.
Other ways to stay alert on a long drive
Drinks can give you a small lift, but your habits before and during the trip make the biggest difference. Try these simple steps:
Get a good night’s sleep before a long journey, and avoid setting off when you are already exhausted.
Travel with someone who can keep you company and share the driving.
Open the window for some fresh air if you start to feel stuffy.
Avoid medication that causes drowsiness before driving, and check the label or ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
What to do if you still feel sleepy
Yawning again and again, heavy eyes, drifting out of your lane or missing an exit are all signs that your body needs rest. Do not try to push through with another cup of coffee.
Pull over at the nearest R&R, lay-by or petrol station and take a short nap. A UPM medical expert interviewed by Sinar Harian advised stopping at a safe place and sleeping for about 30 minutes. Give yourself a few minutes to wake up fully before you get back on the road.
Drive safely and stay protected
Coffee, energy drinks and plain water can all help you feel fresher on the road when you use them sensibly. Plain water is the easiest to rely on, while coffee and energy drinks are best kept in moderation. Above all, rest well before you drive and stop whenever you feel tired.
Safe driving protects you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. Before your next long trip, make sure your car insurance is up to date too. BJAK lets you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers and takaful operators and get a free quote online.
What is the best drink to stay awake while driving?
Plain water is a safe everyday choice because it keeps you hydrated without any caffeine. Coffee can boost alertness for a while, but it should be taken in moderation. No drink can replace proper sleep, so stop and rest if you feel tired.
How much coffee is safe to drink before a long drive?
Pantai Hospital notes that up to 400 mg of caffeine a day, or around four cups of coffee, is considered safe for most healthy adults. Your own limit may be lower depending on your age, weight and health, so avoid drinking several cups in one go.
Are energy drinks safe for drivers?
Energy drinks contain caffeine, so treat them like coffee and keep to small amounts. Caffeine and sugar levels also vary between brands. Too much may cause restlessness, palpitations or headaches. Check the label and count any coffee you have already had that day.
Can coffee stop microsleep?
No. Coffee may help you feel more alert for a short time, but it does not remove the need for sleep. If you notice signs such as frequent yawning or heavy eyes, pull over somewhere safe and rest.
How often should I take a break on a long drive?
MIROS has suggested stopping to rest every two hours on long journeys. Stop sooner if you feel sleepy, and use R&R areas or petrol stations to take a short nap if you need one.
Nabil Farhan· · 5 min read
