The BBC recently reported that lorry drivers who drink coffee cut their crash risk. It came from a large study of 530 Australian long distance drivers.

Caffeine consumption may be associated with safer driving as the headlines imply, but this study does not prove it. There are other explanations to the findings of this particular research, and the limitations suggest it would be wise to interpret the findings with caution.

While caffeine consumption may give you a short-term boost to attention – excessive consumption can lead to lack of concentration, restlessness and irritability, which could adversely impact your driving ability.

If you are planning to drive long-distance, it is recommended that you take a 15-minute break every two hours. You should not rely on coffee alone to ‘get you through’.