HAYFEVER DRIVING RISK
16 April 2007 - Privilege Insurance

The hayfever season is upon us and drivers could be putting themselves and other motorists at risk by driving under the influence of hayfever and allergy medication according to new research out today.

Safe driver experts, Privilege Insurance have found that one in seven drivers suffer from hayfever or other allergies, and almost half (45 per cent) of these have driven on the roads whilst taking medication and nearly a fifth (18 per cent) admit their driving had been negatively affected as a result during the past 12 months.

One in ten, the equivalent of 3.3 million drivers1, lost concentration at the wheel due to an impaired reaction caused by illness or medication.

Despite the side effects, such as drowsiness, that everyday medicines including hayfever remedies can have, a quarter of drivers admitted to rarely or never checking the side effects of their remedies before setting off, and just under a quarter of drivers believed there was nothing wrong with driving while on any hayfever or allergy medication.

But, conversely, eight in ten drivers would amend their behaviour if they discovered a hayfever medicine they were about to take might affect their driving, with a third (36 per cent) holding off taking the medicine until after having driven, and a quarter (24 per cent) not driving at all.

Doctor James Lawrie, GP commented: “Certain types of drugs or even herbal supplements can affect a person’s ability to drive safely and if they are combining several over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of the same ailment, they could be very dangerous on the road. It’s important drivers always read the label of any medication they plan to take - either prescribed by a doctor or purchased at their local chemist - and discuss possible side effects with their pharmacist.''

Medicines are clearly labelled for a reason and the majority of drivers do take heed of warnings once they are aware of them. But Privilege Insurance urges people to take the time to check the side effects of medicines before driving to avoid putting themselves and other road users at risk.

Driving when affected by medicines may increase the risk of causing an accident, which could result in a motorist getting points on their licence, or losing it altogether.

Possible side effects that may occur as a result of taking medication include:
· Feeling tired or lethargic
· Dizziness
· Blurry vision
· Nausea
· Inability to maintain attention span

Motorists should pay particular attention to warning labels when taking medicines for the following complaints, as they may affect driving ability:
· Hayfever and allergies
· Coughs, colds and flu
· High blood pressure and heart conditions
· Depression and anxiety
· Arthritis
· Diabetes
· Pain – headaches, period pains
· Epilepsy
· Sleep problems
· Travel sickness, nausea, vomiting

www.privilege.com

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