alcohol consumption has no influence on simulated driving performance

Objective: Many people consume alcoholic beverages following a period of physical activity that results in fluid loss through sweating (e.g. after sport, work). Adequate rehydration following physical activity may not occur, consequently resulting in the consumption of alcohol in a dehydrated state. This may have serious implications for the safety of individuals operating motor vehicles. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of mild-moderate dehydration in combination with moderate alcohol consumption on simulated driving performance. Methods: Fourteen healthy males participated in a placebo-controlled cross-over design study involving 4 experimental trials (separated by 4d). In each trial, participants were dehydrated by ~2% body mass through exercise. After a 30 min recovery, participants completed a 15 min computerised simulated driving task (drive 1). In two of the trials, participants were provided with water equivalent to either 50% or 150% body mass loss and also received salt capsules (NaCl, 50mmol/L). A set volume