Before hitting the road, it is better to have a light meal and consume foods rich in water.
Pizzas, burgers or sushi: these dishes may evoke holiday pleasures for you… Better to wait until you arrive to eat them! A study conducted by the association of insurers Attitude Prévention shows that eating too heavy a meal before setting off on holiday increases the risk of an accident.
With black weekend on the road #holidays ???? do not forget to eat right to drive better!
A meal too caloric impact driver vigilance ???????? https://t.co/7iqqhpcmqNHere are Dr. Saldmann meal suggestions for safe riding ???????? pic.twitter.com/O76KpXYqMo
– Prevention Attitude (@PreventAttitude) July 12, 2019
Post-meal sleepiness studied
“Everyone knows the role of drink driving, explains Frédéric Saldmann, cardiologist and nutritionist. But there is something that has never been explored, it is the impact of nutrition on alertness and road accidents.” The researchers were interested in the consequences of different types of meals on drowsiness. The latter is the leading cause of death on the roads: it lengthens reaction time and therefore braking. “You have all known the fact that when you have a heavy meal and fall asleep, details Frédéric Saldmann, this is called the postprandial alkaline wave, that is to say that you want to sleep, you are not really careful and it is the open door to accidents. “
In this study, the researchers used a driving simulator and a housing provided with an infrared sensor that can detect distracted and drowsy driving. All participants completed a brake test, then took a meal before using the simulator for 40 minutes in conditions similar to those of a motorway driving. A second braking test was then performed.
Extended braking time
Three types of meals were tested: a sequential fasting is to say that the person was fasting since the night before, a normal meal of about 500 calories and a heavy meal of more than 1500 calories. “We studied the reduced alertness of drivers by observing the movement of the eyeballs and postures,” says Dr. Saldmann. After 40 minutes of driving, the group that ate a heavy meal increased braking distance of nearly 10 meters. 75% of the group who ate normally also increased. For participants fasting, conversely, there was a reduction in braking time of 2 meters.
The researchers studied the level of sleepiness of the participants using different thresholds. Level 1 designates a slightly drowsy state, normal after 40 minutes of driving and which has no effect on the ability to react or brake. No fasting participants has exceeded this state. Among those who ate normally, only one reached a level of 1.5, or moderate drowsiness which has a reduced effect on the braking time required to stop the vehicle. 37.5% of heavy eaters reached level 3, meaning significant drowsiness, and one person was extremely drowsy.
What to eat to drive safely?
“Alertness at the wheel begins on your plate, insists Frédéric Saldmann. The study shows, for the first time, that a light meal and good hydration increase alertness. Overly large meals are to be avoided because they tend to aggravate drowsiness. Also avoid foods that are too fatty and too sweet, and eat slowly to improve digestion”.
The professor recommends foods rich in water such as a tomato salad, for example, accompanied by white meat, and balanced dishes with a protein, vegetable and starch intake. In addition to food, all the rules of vigilance are essential: do not consume alcohol, take breaks every two hours and sleep well the day before departure.
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