Cold comfort for motorists driving with flu
Police have warned that driving with severe colds or flu could lead to motorists losing control of their vehicles and facing prosecution for dangerous driving.
With the country in the grip of widespread outbreak of flu, doctors warn that symptoms such as severe congestion, coughing and sneezing can have a serious impact on our ability to drive.
Research compiled by car accessory and leisure retailer Halfords shows that 21% of motorists are currently suffering from colds with the most severely affected enduring frequent bouts of sneezing.
As it is impossible to keep your eyes open when sneezing, cars owners are often driving blind. Around 2.4 million (8%) drivers admit to looking away from the road when searching for a tissue.
The danger of driving while feeling unwell can be made worse when combined with medication or feeling tired.
Professor Ronald Eccles from the Cardiff University Common Cold Unit, said: “Colds and flu vary in severity from mild to life threatening and severe colds and flu may affect ability to drive and make it risky.
“If you are suffering from a mild head cold then driving is probably OK. If you are feverish and feeling ill then do not drive.”
While there are no official figures for accidents caused by sneezing and cold or flu symptoms, university studies using a laboratory simulator showed that drivers who are ill suffered a loss of concentration and had slower reaction times, putting them at risk of being involved in a collision. They were a third more likely to hit the roadside kerb.
Added to this Police warn that drivers getting behind the wheel while suffering from a heavy cold could be prosecuted.
PC Steve Rounds, of the Central Motorway Police Group said: “Sneezing can be very violent, especially with a severe cold and causes the sufferer to close their eyes temporarily.
“Commencing a journey in such a state would certainly be irresponsible and could be held as an aggravating factor in any accident that lead to a death or serious injury, turning a careless act into a dangerous one and thereby exposing the driver to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
“Something else to consider with colds and flu is the medication taken to combat it. There’s the obvious effect of drowsiness and this will be highlighted on the packaging with specific warnings.”
Halfords Winter Driving Expert Mark Dolphin said: “We want our customers to stay safe. You shouldn’t drive if you are not feeling well. The best place to be when you have flu or a heavy cold is at home, but if you really must go out, get someone else to take you and avoid driving.
“Other drivers should be aware of those around them and if they see someone sneezing be prepared for the unexpected to happen and increase the distance between vehicles.”
According to health statistics, adults catch between two and four colds a year.