Drivers are being urged to take extra care this autumn as seasonal allergies and sudden sneezing fits could lead to careless driving charges.
While spring and summer tend to get the spotlight when it comes to outdoor allergies, many motorists may not realise that autumn has its own set of triggers for hay fever sufferers.
Climate research shows the UK’s pollen season has extended, meaning some hay fever sufferers may experience symptoms lasting into late September or even early October.
While grass and tree pollen counts drop drastically at the end of summer, these are replaced by allergens like weed pollen from mugwort and ragweed, as well as mould spores caused by damp, decaying leaves – causing classic hay fever symptoms that can stretch well into autumn.
‘Autumn sneezing syndrome’, as it has become known, can leave sufferers with sneezing fits, itchy or watery eyes and drowsiness – all of which can put them at risk when behind the wheel.
With roughly 1 in 4 adults in the UK suffering from hay fever, car insurance experts at Compare NI are reminding drivers that something as simple as a sneeze could impair their ability to drive safely.
The triple sneeze – or sneezing in quick succession – means a driver’s eyes could be closed for several seconds, increasing the chances of an incident. Even a two-second glance away from the road while driving at 30mph means 100 feet of missed road.
If an accident occurs, drivers could face a charge of driving without due care and attention, which carries a fine of up to £2,500 and three to nine penalty points.
Many drivers are also unaware that over-the-counter allergy medicines can fall under drug-driving laws due to their impairing side effects.
It is illegal to drive whilst unfit through drugs, and the law does not distinguish between illegal drugs and over the counter medications. This means that some antihistamines, commonly taken to relieve hay fever, could result in charges if they cause drowsiness, slower reaction times, reduced coordination or blurred vision, resulting in an incident on the road.
A drug-driving conviction carries severe penalties, including an unlimited fine, a one-year driving ban, possible imprisonment, and a criminal record. These convictions can remain on a driver’s licence for 11 years, making insurance more difficult and normally more expensive to obtain.
The NHS strongly advises those who take medications prone to drowsiness – such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine – to avoid driving and operating machinery.
Top tips to help keep hay fever symptoms at bay while driving this autumn:
• Close your windows and have sunglasses in your car to protect your eyes from pollen
• Change the air filter used to trap the pollen in your vehicle regularly
• Make sure you have sufficient tissues and medication in your car in case symptoms arise
• Always have some water with you for reducing the effects and for taking medication on your journey
• Have a cloth or wipes handy so you can cleanse your vehicle inside and keep the pollen count as low as possible
• Get a location-based pollen forecast with the help of a pollen warning app.