Drivers Urged to Stay Alert After Holiday Break as Overeating May Increase Road Risks

After a full week of rest, rich meals, and extended Eid Al-Adha trips, millions of employees are preparing to return to work, amid warnings that excessive food consumption during the holiday could affect drivers' concentration and attention behind the wheel, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and road accidents.

Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud, a clinical nutrition specialist, explained that Eid Al-Adha typically brings a significant rise in the consumption of red meat, high-fat foods, fast food, sweets, and soft drinks. According to him, these eating habits place considerable strain on the digestive system, leading to feelings of fullness, fatigue, and bloating.

Reduced Focus Can Impact Driving Performance

Mahmoud noted that the effects of these dietary habits go beyond physical discomfort and may extend to reduced concentration and slower mental response times while driving, particularly during the first days back at work following an extended break.

He added that driving while the digestive system is under stress may make motorists more susceptible to drowsiness, sluggishness, and fatigue, factors that can negatively affect alertness and the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations on the road.

Nutrition Advice for Safer Driving

The nutrition specialist advised drivers to reduce meal sizes in the remaining hours before returning to work and to rely on balanced, lighter meals that include a small bowl of soup, a moderate amount of carbohydrates, and an easily digestible protein source such as white meat, alongside fresh vegetables.

He also warned against excessive consumption of processed sweets, soft drinks, and heavy meals, stressing that healthier food choices help the body regain energy and improve focus and attention, contributing to safer driving during the first working days after the Eid holiday.