RAC unveils caffeine drink to help prevent ‘sleep’ accidents

The RAC is launching a functional caffeine drink called RAC 124, which will help keep sleepy drivers awake at the wheel.

The fruit-flavoured drink, which has twice as much caffeine as Red Bull, gets its name because 124mg (or two cups of coffee) is the amount the Highway Code recommends if you are feeling tired at the wheel.

The launch of the drink, early next month, is part of a campaign by the motoring organisation to raise awareness about the dangers of falling asleep while driving.

The campaign has the backing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. The Institute of Road Safety Officers says the drink will “significantly” reduce the amount of road casualties.

The drink is planned for distribution at petrol and service stations but the RAC will not encourage its sale elsewhere.

A spokeswoman for the RAC says: “This is specifically a motoring product. Tired drivers should stop and drink either RAC 124 or two cups of coffee, followed by a short nap. They should only continue their journey if they feel safe enough to do so.”