Long distance professional drivers are significantly less likely to crash if they consume caffeinated beverages to help keep them awake, a new study suggests.

According to Australian researchers, driving for long periods of time in a sedentary position can be monotonous and this has been linked to drowsiness, which can increase the risk of a crash. This scenario is common for long distance commercial drivers of heavy vehicles.

Caffeine is a well recognised stimulant worldwide. While studies have shown it can improve alertness, until now, it has been unclear whether this can lead to a reduction in injuries. The researchers decided to look into this further, by analysing the effects of caffeine on the likelihood of being in a crash.

The study looked at 530 long distance drivers who had been in a crash and 517 long distance drivers who had not been in a crash in at least the last year.

Altogether, almost half of the drivers said they had consumed caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks, for the sole purpose of helping them stay awake.

After taking into account factors such as age, sleeping patterns, distance driven and breaks taken, the study found that the drivers who had consumed caffeine to help keep them awake were 63% less likely to crash compared to those who had not consumed caffeine.

The researchers from the George Institute for Global Health said that caffeine ‘can significantly protect against crash risk for the long distance commercial driver'. However, they believe this benefit is only short-term and drivers should still ensure that they get regular breaks and naps and that their work schedule is not too heavy.

"Caffeine may seem effective in enhancing their alertness, but it should be considered carefully in the context of a safe and healthy fatigue management strategy. Energy drinks and coffee certainly don't replace the need for sleep," they added.

Details of these findings are published in the British Medical Journal.