Mercedes-Benz survey finds that some delivery drivers are risking their health in the heat.

According to the latest Business Barometer research from Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, despite warnings to carry water at all times during a heatwave, one in five delivery drivers are avoiding drinking water in order to avoid toilet breaks that can impact targets for delivery companies.

Of the more than 2,000 drivers asked to give their feedback on hydration and health, 70% said that work pressures severely impact their ability to keep hydrated and have a healthy diet – with 27% adding that they rely solely on sugary drinks or caffeine to get them through long days.

Another issue is toilet breaks, with 31% saying that asking to use a customer’s facility would be too awkward.

“Being dehydrated impacts cognition and therefore driver ability – and so it is of vital importance that [delivery] drivers take more care of their health and diet during the heatwave,” said Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK. “Our research also highlights an interesting debate regarding the use of customer toilets; it is perhaps unlikely that we would say no to a plumber or electrician asking to use our facilities – so why would a delivery driver be any different?”