Drivers of long-haul commercial vehicles who drink caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, are significantly less likely to crash than their counterparts who abstain, according to new research coming out of the George Institute.

While previous studies have testified to how effective caffeine is at improving alertness, they have hitherto failed to categorically prove that caffeine consumption reduces the likelihood of injury.

Researchers from acround Australia carried out the study of long distance commercial vehicle drivers, investigating the effects of caffeine on the likelihood of a crash.

Forty three percent of drivers reported consuming substances containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, caffeine tablets, or energy drinks for the express purpose of staying awake.

The results show that drivers who consumed caffeine to help them stay awake were 63% less likely to crash than drivers who did not take caffeinated substance.

Lead author of the paper, Lisa Sharwood of The George Institute and the University of Sydney says that the results should be interpreted cautiously.

"Caffeine may seem effective in enhancing alertness, but it should be considered carefully in the context of a safe and healthy fatigue management strategy; energy drinks and coffee certainly don't replace the need for sleep," Ms Sharwood said.

"The study shows that the consumption of caffeinated substances can significantly protect against crash risk for the long distance commercial driver," she said. "The benefit, however, is likely to be short-lived. Having regular breaks, napping and appropriate work schedules are strongly recommended in line with national fatigue management legislation for heavy vehicle drivers".