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Caffeine

It has been estimated that over 85% of Americans use considerable amounts of caffeine on a daily basis (Bennett Alan Weinberg).   It is often coined as the world's most popular drug. Caffeine has over come its negative reputation enough to be bought and sold almost everywhere and is available to purchase on almost every street corner. Caffeine is delivered in many forms including sports drinks, over the counter pills, sodas, tea and coffee. Caffeine affects our central nervous system as a stimulant. Many people use the effects of caffeine to help increase their alertness and to combat drowsiness. Just 100-200 milligrams of caffeine will increase a persons thought process and focus, and often able you to have better body coordination. Contrary to popular belief, caffeine does not take away your need to sleep; it just decreases your desire or sensation of being tired for short periods of time. Caffeine enters your body through the stomach and small intestine and a person can feel the effects in about 45 minutes after taking it. The effects of caffeine usually last any where from three to six hours depending on how much is ingested (Wikipedia).
Caffeine is often used by drivers who drive long distances, especially at night when the chance of falling asleep behind the wheel are greater. A study of twelve sleep deprived men ranging in ages from 20-25 years old, were given one cup of coffee before driving 125 miles. The cup of coffee was estimated to contain at least 200 mg of caffeine. In addition, a second study was performed on the same men except this time no caffeine was administered. The men that were given the caffeine consistently maintained a safe driving patter with no crossing over lanes or driving off the road. When not given any caffeine the drivers displayed dangerous actions like crossing over their lanes and reported feeling impaired or unable to focus on safe driving (Laurie Barclay). In a second study of ways to combat fatigue while driving, scientist...