The pollen forecast for the South could give hay fever sufferers more than watery eyes this weekend as some medications could lead to a ‘driving under the influence’ arrest.
Pollen predictions show things could get uncomfortable for sufferers as we head into the weekend, when the pollen count is forecast to jump to ‘high’ after being classed as ‘medium’ for many regions throughout the week.
London and the South East’s hay fever sufferers who are vulnerable to oak and birch pollen might be especially affected – although oak pollen is considered mildly allergic compared to other tree pollens, it tends to stay in the air longer, which can cause a severe reaction.
The forecast has led to a warning from one of the country’s leading car insurance comparison websites, concerned that most motorists are unaware of the fact that ‘driving under the influence’ could result in hefty fines and points on their licence. Some hay fever medications could see drivers committing this type of motoring offence without even realising it.
Insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk says the government legislation that bans driving while under the influence, does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications. This means any type of drug that affects a motorist’s driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it’s something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness.
On Wednesday, a driver flipped their car in Ventnor when they sneezed and crashed into the rear of a parked car.
5 driving tips for hay fever sufferers
• Check medication – antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with the doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.
• Plan journeys – check the pollen warnings or download a weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast for high pollen counts.
• Keep the car as pollen-free as possible – clean the car regularly to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, regularly change pollen filters in the car’s ventilation system and keep car windows closed during journeys.
• Get stocked up – keep the car stocked with fresh tissues, hay fever medicine, a bottle of water, eye drops, anything used to ease the symptoms, should they strike unexpectedly.
• Drive safely – better to err on the side of caution, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start. If drivers don’t feel well or the pollen count is high, play it safe and don’t make non-urgent journeys.
Good advice but will just blow over peoples heads… The drivers with hay fever will not care, they want to get from A to B.. does not matter to them.. Same with those that have a cold or the flu, they still go out and mingle with other people, go shopping etc… no caring about spreading it about. Not many people wash their hands anymore since the commercial warnings stopped… I have often witnessed people walking in shops, the hand cleaner by the door is rarely used… people in general just do not care…
Yes you are correct on everything you’ve written
If i get a cold I really suffer with chest infection for atleast a month
We have hand sanitizer at our front door that has never been used since the start of covid
You can’t hide from a cold or flu if you have a job. What world do you live in?
Oh get over yourself and stop the mindless hysteria.
I expect there are many medicines that people take and drive, and of course most drivers are unaware it can affect their driving….Hay-fever is just one of them…