Positive effects of Red Bull® Energy Drink on driving performance during prolonged driving

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine if Red Bull® Energy Drink can counteract sleepiness and driving impairment during prolonged driving.MethodsTwenty-four healthy volunteers participated in this double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. After 2 h of highway driving in the STISIM driving simulator, subjects had a 15-min break and consumed Red Bull® Energy Drink (250 ml) or placebo (Red Bull® Energy Drink without the functional ingredients: caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, B vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, B12), and inositol) before driving for two additional hours. A third condition comprised 4 h of uninterrupted driving. Primary parameter was the standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), i.e., the weaving of the car. Secondary parameters included SD speed, subjective driving quality, sleepiness, and mental effort to perform the test.ResultsNo significant differences were observed during the first 2 h of driving. Red Bull® Energy Drink significantly improved driving relative to placebo: SDLP was significantly reduced during the 3rd (p < 0.046) and 4th hour of driving (p < 0.011). Red Bull® Energy Drink significantly reduced the standard deviation of speed (p < 0.004), improved subjective driving quality (p < 0.0001), and reduced mental effort to perform the test (p < 0.024) during the 3rd hour of driving. Subjective sleepiness was significantly decreased during both the 3rd and 4th hour of driving after Red Bull® Energy Drink (p < 0.001 and p < 0.009, respectively). Relative to uninterrupted driving, Red Bull® Energy Drink significantly improved each parameter.ConclusionRed Bull® Energy Drink significantly improves driving performance and reduces driver sleepiness during prolonged highway driving.

The Impact of Having a 15-min Break With and Without Consuming an Energy Drink on Prolonged Simulated Highway Driving

“…Our findings are in line with the original analyses by Mets et al [6], using SDLP as outcome measure. After consuming energy drink, SDLP was significantly reduced in both hour 3 and 4.…”

“…In the current analyses, a significant reduction in the number of lapses was also seen in hour 3 and hour 4. In addition, the findings are in accordance with the significant reduction in driver sleepiness observed after consuming energy drink [6]. Our study confirms that the number of lapses increases over distance driven, and that having a break is an effective way to counteract drowsy driving and reduce the number of lapses.…”

“…Data from Mets et al [6] were re-analyzed. Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study.…”

“…Subjects with sleep disorders or an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score above 10 were excluded from participation. Details on recruitment and inclusion and exclusion criteria are described by Mets et al [6]. No formal ethical approval was required according to the Medical Ethical Committee of the University Medical Center Utrecht for the present reanalysis.…”

“…Using SDLP as an outcome measure, the effectiveness of caffeine has been demonstrated previously. For example, Mets et al [6] examined the effects of energy drink (250 ml of Red Bull, containing 80 mg caffeine) on prolonged simulated highway driving. Subjects had to drive for 2 h in the simulator, had a 15-min break in which they consumed energy drink or a placebo drink, followed by another 2 h of driving.…”