News reveals that the pollen count is at extreme highs this week, causing severe hay fever symptoms for many in the UK. But as many will be taking medication to help combat the symptoms, it’s important to be aware of the side effects before getting behind the wheel. Motor expert at Confused.com car insurance, Louise Thomas, comments:
“It’s the peak time of year for hay fever sufferers, so if you’re a driver, symptoms could be problematic when out on the road. That’s as our research found how almost 1 in 5 (17%) drivers have had an accident or near-miss due to their hay fever. And if you need to take medication to keep your hay fever symptoms at bay, your driving could be impacted even further.
“If you need to take medication, you should be aware of the risks when it comes to driving. Some can have a sedating effect, which could impact your driving ability. You should always read the label first to check whether it’s safe to use alongside driving. Or if you’re not sure, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
“When driving, you should also try to avoid using the air con as it increases the movement of pollen and dust. Regularly cleaning the inside of your car can also help to keep pollen levels low. And you can even purchase a pollen filter to attach to your car. Hay fever affects thousands of drivers and it can be a real pain for those who suffer this time of year. But taking the right measures before driving can keep you and other road users safe while on the road.”
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