Brisbane, Dec 3 : People who begin drinking after physically exerting themselves are more likely to undertake risky activities like drink-driving as compared to those who start their alcohol session reasonably hydrated, a new study has found.

Researchers at the Griffith University Health Institute have based their findings on two separate laboratory trials involving groups of 12 and 16 people.

In the first trial, the subjects were given test questions regarding risk-taking behaviour after exercising and drinking and not exercising and drinking.

The researchers found that the dehydrated person's perception of intoxication is different as compared to those who are well hydrated.

"What we have found is that dehydrated people who have been drinking have the same blood alcohol content as someone who is hydrated, but the dehydrated person's perception of their intoxication is different," the Brisbane Times quoted Chris Irwin, a PhD candidate as saying.

"They can't seem to tell that they are as drunk as they are. They don't tend to see that their performance has been affected, so they might think they are OK to drive when they are not.

"Basically, if you are dehydrated and then have something to drink, you will perform worse but not know you are performing worse," he added. (ANI)