Driving in Europe? Stay hydrated

Motorists heading to continental Europe this summer are being warned to drink plenty of water during the trip.

The effect of dehydration has been shown to be equivalent to drinking and driving – a problem exacerbated by long motorway journeys in a hot country.

Researchers found that ‘mild hypohydration increases driver errors during a prolonged, monotonous driving task’. The effect on the motorists tested by Loughborough University was equivalent to driving at the drink drive limit (blood alcohol content of approximately 0.08%) or while sleep deprived.

Studies were first carried out on men, who drank 200 ml of water every hour. On the dehydration test day, the same subjects consumed only 25 ml an hour – the equivalent of four sips.

When dehydrated, the drivers were more likely to drift, brake late, and touch the rumble strip.

Staying hydrated while driving

Keep a bottle of water in your car and do not wait until you feel thirsty before you drink
Drink the equivalent of one glass of water every hour you drive
Make stops – it’s a chance to have a drink and rest

European breakdown cover from the ETA

With English-speaking helplines and assistance available 24/7 you can rest assured that help is at hand should you break down abroad while driving in Europe.

Providing that your vehicle is less than 20 years old, and your trip no longer than 31 days, then you’re eligible for cover.