Driving under the influenza
The common cold could be a car accident waiting to happen, as new research released today from Confused.com reveals that nearly one in in seven (13%) motorists who have taken cold or flu medication has suffered side effects behind the wheel as a result.
The findings from the leading price comparison site in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society reveal that nearly two thirds of motorists (64%) admit they’ve driven after taking cold and flu medication, despite the potential risks of drowsiness and reduced concentration levels.
According to the research, the most common side effects of driving under the influence of cold and flu medication include feeling lethargic (6%) and feeling drowsy (5%). Slower reaction times, low concentration levels and blurry eyesight were also listed as afflictions.
Yet when it comes to the recommended guidelines for taking cold and flu medication, many Brits are showing a flagrant disregard to the advice being given and warning information provided with the medication. The research highlights that a third of British adults (33%) admit to not reading the advice leaflet when taking medication to see if they could suffer from possible side effects, such as drowsiness and/or tiredness, which could make it unsafe for them to drive. And worryingly, nearly one in six (16%) Brits admit to exceeding the recommended dose too, which can also impair driving ability.
Whilst public awareness is higher around illegal drug driving, the effects of over the counter or prescription drugs on people’s driving ability are not as well known. And with so many people running to the chemist for relief from the winter lurgies, Brits need to be aware of what other drugs these cold and flu medications may contain. In fact, more than two out of three (67%) Brits are unaware that cold & flu medication can contain alcohol.
Research shows that medicines that come in liquid forms are the most likely type of medication to contain alcohol, with the volume ranging from as low as 1% to as high as 18% in night-time cold remedies - the equivalent of drinking a light liqueur before getting behind the wheel.
Many British adults feel strongly about drug driving, with more than one in six (17%) people calling for harsher penalties for those caught driving whilst under the influence of cold and flu medication. In fact, these motorists believe that cold & flu medicated drivers should be treated the same way by the police as those drivers caught under the influence of illegal drugs. In the last three years (2011-2013) UK police forces convicted 2,676 motorists who were driving under the influence of legal and illegal drugs– including codeine, diazepam and sleeping pills.
Gemma Stanbury, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com says: “Many people across the UK at this time of year are regularly taking prescription and over the counter drugs such as cold and flu capsules and cough mixtures. However many Brits are unaware that these drugs could have an effect on people’s driving ability and by taking these cough and cold remedies it could be making them less competent behind the wheel.
“Whilst most people understand the dangers of drinking and driving, relatively few understand that driving, mixed with some over-the-counter cold remedies could pose just as great a hazard.
“The research highlights that many motorists are failing to heed the warnings on certain medication and can find themselves becoming drowsy and dangerously tired at the wheel. Accidents caused by driving under the influence of cold and flu medication can easily be avoided by simply reading the safety information. Or if unsure motorists should ask the pharmacist or err on the side of caution and don’t drive, as road safety and the safety of others should be a top priority for any driver.”