Almost one-quarter of Czech drivers think that fluid intake has no effect on their driving abilities, according to a current survey conducted by Ipsos for the network of ORLEN filling stations in Czechia. Yet the lack of fluids can slow reactions in a similar way to drink-driving. ORLEN emphasises the importance of regular fluid intake while driving and offers a wide array of soft beverages, including refreshing summer drinks.
The survey has shown that Czechs still underestimate fluid intake behind the wheel. Only 19% of drivers have a ritual of regularly buying soft drinks at filling stations. More than one-third of respondents avoid drinking due to concerns related to frequent bathroom stops – this approach is more frequent with women.
Yet dehydration is a serious risk factor. An insufficient fluid intake can cause fatigue, microsleep, headache or muscle spasm. It also slows reaction time and may compromise the decision-making ability in crisis situations. All of this can pose a threat to both drivers and other road users.
“Road safety starts with the driver – and their ability to concentrate, react, and make the right decisions. Fluid intake is often a neglected factor that has a substantial impact on all these abilities. That is why our filling stations offer a wide range of soft drinks, including functional drinks and summer combinations that help drivers remain fresh and safe,” says Rostislav Moravec, Director of the network of ORLEN filling stations.
Czech drivers have clear preferences when selecting their drinks. More than three-fourths (78%) prefer unsweetened drinks – water or artificially sweetened beverages. Men opt for sweetened drinks more often. Mildly carbonated or natural water is a clear choice for 84% of respondents. Nearly one-half of them check the composition of sweetened beverages. Half of the respondents choose beverages with mineral substances like magnesium, iron or zinc at least occasionally, so they feel fresh behind the wheel. Interestingly, 79% do not regard coffee as part of the fluid intake and believe that coffee is dehydrating.
Brand loyalty also plays a role when buying beverages – 57% of respondents have their favourite brands that they prefer. The younger generation, on the contrary, makes choices by the flavour, regardless of the producer.
ORLEN filling stations offer a broad range of soft drinks, including mineral waters, functional beverages, and seasonal summer iced drinks. This offer is part of the development of the international Stop Cafe food and drink concept, which has been designed to offer fast, top-quality and tasty refreshments to customers.
This year’s summer offer includes up to eight iced drinks – from the delicious Frappé Salty Caramel, refreshing Espresso Tonic with Hibiscus or Maracuja, to Green Energy and Mango Boost juices. Lemonade lovers can pick from lemon, hibiscus, and mango flavours. All coffee drinks are made from a special Fairtrade-certified blend of coffee beans that is made according to a unique formula in Belgium and combines a strong taste with a responsible approach to coffee growers and the environment.
ORLEN – the international network of fuels, energy and refreshments
The ORLEN network of filling stations is a member of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group owned by the international ORLEN Group, which runs more than 3,500 fuel stations in seven Central European countries – Poland, Czechia, Germany, Lithuania, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia. In Czechia, the ORLEN network comprises 441 stations with a 28.5% market share in the volume of fuels sold. The ORLEN network is a market leader in terms of both the number of sites and the volume of fuels sold. The popularity of the ORLEN brand with Czech consumers is reflected by the fact that the ORLEN network of filling stations has been awarded as the Most Trustworthy Brand in Czechia six times and as the Merchant of the Year three times.
At its stations, ORLEN offers premium Efecta fuel with a proven purifying effect and top-class Verva fuel that cares for the engine system and offers enhanced performance parameters. ORLEN sites also provide alternative fuels, including liquified petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), synthetic fuel HVO100, and battery- and hydrogen-driven e-mobility. ORLEN offers electricity at 294 charging points and operates hydrogen refuelling stations in Prague- Barrandov and Litvínov-Záluží.
The Stop Cafe concept is a significant part of the offering, being a crucial pillar in ORLEN brand’s convenience sales. In the Czech Republic, Stop Cafe is available at 357 out of 441 filling stations, i.e., at more than 80% of them. It is offered at nearly 2,500 sites within the entire international network. Stop Cafe offers a broad range of meals and food products – from popular hotdogs and coffee to more than 1,000 products, including packaged food, ready-to-serve meals, and specialities in traditional, vegetarian, and vegan versions. The offer keeps developing – the ORLEN competence centre in Prague is working on new product ranges focused on a healthy lifestyle, including breakfasts, bakery products, ready-to-serve meals, and private brand products that will react to the current trends and customer needs.
ORLEN also issues its own fuel cards, EASY and BUSINESS, and runs two mobile apps – the loyalty ORLEN app and a car care app, Mycí digi linka.
Contact details:
Lada Gadas, +420 705 839 909, email: lada.gadas@orlenunipetrol.cz