Drivers warned of 'drink and drugs' style 'risk' on the road

Drivers warned of 'drink and drugs' style 'risk' on the road The AA has issued a warning to drivers Motorists battling scorching temperatures and restless nights are being cautioned that they face a heightened risk of road rage as the UK swelters in extreme heat. The AA warns that a mix of blistering conditions, dehydration and lack of sleep could leave drivers exhausted, short-tempered and more likely to make errors during their commute. The alert follows the Met Office issuing Red and Amber heat warnings across parts of Britain, with sweltering temperatures set to persist through midweek. Weather experts predict that the hottest regions could see the mercury soar to between 38C and 40C, while many Brits endure stifling nights that disrupt proper rest. The motoring body is concerned that sleep deprivation, combined with lengthy hold-ups in gridlocked traffic and baking heat inside cars, could trigger hostile behaviour on the roads. Drivers are being advised to keep well-hydrated, factor in additional travel time and resist responding to provocations from fellow road users. The AA highlighted that fatigue can impair reaction speeds and diminish focus, making typical annoyances like traffic jams, hold-ups and discourteous driving more challenging to tolerate. The organisation also referenced studies from DriveTech, its driver education arm, showing that dehydrated motorists can commit as many blunders at the wheel as those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Dehydration can also trigger exhaustion, reduced concentration, weakened short-term memory and slower reaction times, according to the organisation. The AA cautioned that the irritability brought on by sweltering heat and congested roads can spill over into dangerous driving behaviours such as tailgating, harsh braking, speeding and reckless overtaking. Motorists who begin to feel drowsy have been advised to pull over somewhere safe and take a proper rest, while those too fatigued to drive should postpone their journey where possible. Edmund King, president of the AA, said: "Hot weather, heavy traffic and tired drivers are not a good mix. If people have struggled to sleep in the heat, they may be less patient, less focused and more likely to make mistakes on the morning commute. "DriveTech, the driver training arm of The AA, has highlighted how dehydration can seriously affect driver performance in a similar way to drink or drugs. In this heat, keeping water in the car is not just about comfort, it is about safety. "Road rage can escalate quickly, especially when people are uncomfortable and rushing. Stay calm, avoid reacting to other drivers, keep a safe distance and remember that everyone else is dealing with the same heat. "If you feel too tired to drive, delay your journey if you can. If you start to feel drowsy behind the wheel, stop somewhere safe and take a proper break."