Energy drinks market themselves to make it appear as if you get extraordinary abilities after drinking them. If you can run faster, jump higher or react quicker, wouldn't it do wonders for driving?

No. The effects of energy drinks while driving, while present, will not make you any better of a driver than you already are. Here's why:

Caffeine! - The main ingredient in all energy drinks is caffeine. Caffeine is the most common addiction that's legally out there --- it comes with your colas and coffee cups --- but energy drink companies have found ways to up the caffeine content in their products. An 8.2 oz of Red Bull has 80 mg of caffeine, and the point where you begin getting nauseous is 200mg. 750mg is toxic. Getting nauseous and thumping headaches will not do you good while driving.

It Works! - But only for a short while. If you've been downing energy drinks before that long drive, you'll notice that you're on wide alert mode during the first few hours, then you start feeling drowsy. Having an energy drink during or after drinking alcohol might make you feel that the alcohol didn't take effect, but don't be fooled. Energy drinks only mask how you are feeling, you can still be intoxicated, you'll still feel the fatigue, but you'll still experience the effects of both.

Twitch, twitch – Drinking an energy drink to replace a good night's sleep for driving is a terrible, terrible idea. Too much energy drinks may cause your muscles to twitch, it may make you more irritable and may cause a vehicle crash down the road.

It is best to ditch the energy drink-as-sleep-replacement for driving idea. It may give a temporary boost, but energy drinks while driving may provide more harmful results. If you're going to be out on a long drive, have a good night's rest instead. Not only will it make you feel relaxed the next day, but it will also make you a better driver.

Labels: caffeine, driver safety, energy drinks, safe driving