Alcoholic energy drinks are a growing danger, according to The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. Caffeine and alcohol have been found to be a deadly mix.

A research study has shown that the rising popularity of mixed drinks like the “Jager Bomb” (Jagermeister and Red Bull), or “Vodka and Red Bull”, is a cause of worry in terms of road safety.

On comparing those who drank only alcohol-based drinks, those who reported having mixed drinks were also more likely to say that they intended to drive home. It has been found that the problem stems from consuming a stimulant like caffeine alongside an intoxicant, which according to the clinical studies, can reduce the perception of being drunk but not the impairment.

This popularity of caffeine-alcohol mixed drinks was not just confined to the US, an Australian expert said.

Dr Lucy Burns, from the University of NSW's National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, conducted a study in 2009, and found out that out of almost 700 Australian ecstasy users she found; about 70 per cent of them had consumed caffeine-alcohol mixed drinks.

"It is common to believe that energy drinks will reduce the fatigue, cognitive and motor impairments of alcohol and other drugs," Dr Burns said. "So there is a real danger that consumers may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as operating a car or a motorcycle".