Think of factors that contribute to accidents, and drink and speed would probably come top of the list. You probably wouldn’t think that diet would have much of an effect on driving, but a new study says it can play a vital role in reducing road risk.

A review by Beatrice Cutler, dietary consultant to the Transafe Network in the UK, has found that fleets that included diet changes as part of a programme to fight driving fatigue can significantly reduce accidents. She said: “Given that many of the stress factors that lead to fatigue may not be within their control – work schedules, traffic queues, environmental pollutants, etc – diet is one area that presents an opportunity for them to take control of their environment and mitigate some of the effects of stress that may cumulatively lead to fatigue.”

One study comparing the effects of driving for eight hours with a break and no food to driving for eight hours with a break and food, shows that eating has a positive effect on reaction times, but that a break alone may not.

Ms Cutler is now calling for more research on how a healthy diet can help drivers deal with stress and combat fatigue.