As millions of South Africans prepare for long-distance travel this December, the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) is urging motorists to give hydration the same priority as speed limits, rest breaks and vehicle safety checks.

Emerging global research points to a concerning and often overlooked link between dehydration and road safety. Studies show that even mild dehydration can impair driving performance to a level comparable with low-level alcohol intoxication.

With festive-season traffic expected to peak on national highways, SANBWA is calling for hydration to be recognised as a core element of responsible driving, particularly during South Africa’s increasingly hot summer conditions.

International research conducted by Loughborough University, the University of Connecticut and several European transport institutes has consistently found that drivers who are just 1–2% dehydrated experience slower reaction times, reduced concentration, impaired judgement and increased lane weaving.

In controlled driving simulations, mildly dehydrated drivers made as many errors as those with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% – the legal limit in many countries. These errors included late braking, drifting between lanes, delayed hazard recognition and difficulty maintaining a consistent speed.

SANBWA chief executive Charlotte Metcalf said the findings were especially relevant to South Africa, where long road trips, high temperatures and congested holiday routes create ideal conditions for dehydration to develop unnoticed.

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“We often associate dehydration with physical exercise, but it also affects people sitting in a car for hours,” said Metcalf.
“Heat trapped in vehicles, caffeine intake and the stress of driving all accelerate fluid loss. Many motorists treat hydration as optional, when in reality it directly affects alertness, decision-making and reaction time.”

The risk is heightened for children, older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Early symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dizziness, irritability, fatigue and difficulty focusing – signs that can appear long before a person feels thirsty. In a high-speed driving environment, these subtle impairments can have serious consequences.

SANBWA advises motorists to hydrate before they feel thirsty and to keep safe, clean drinking water in their vehicles throughout their journeys. Small, regular sips are more effective than infrequent large drinks, and water remains the safest and quickest way to rehydrate without added sugar or stimulants.

As hydration is also a matter of safety and quality, SANBWA encourages travellers to choose bottled water bearing the SANBWA logo. The mark indicates that the water has been sourced, bottled and tested in accordance with South Africa’s strictest safety, microbiological and environmental standards.

Environmental responsibility
The association also highlighted the environmental responsibility that comes with increased holiday travel. Motorists are urged to recycle bottles and avoid littering along highways, rest stops and nature reserves.

PET bottles produced by SANBWA members are 100% recyclable and compatible with South Africa’s established mechanical recycling system. Keeping bottles out of the environment and in the recycling stream helps reduce pollution and supports the country’s circular plastics economy.

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As families prepare for December journeys, SANBWA has urged motorists to build hydration into their road safety routine: pack sufficient water for the trip, take rest breaks every two hours and drink steadily throughout the journey.
“Staying alert isn’t only about avoiding alcohol or fatigue,” said Metcalf. “Hydration is a proven, science-backed part of road safety. A few sips of water at the right time can save lives.”

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