Motorists warned about dangers of driving with hayfever

Motorists are being warned about the potentially hazardous consequences of driving a car when suffering from hayfever.

As the hayfever season really starts to take hold, many motorists could be driving blind as they struggle with sneezing, itching eyes, and the consequent distraction caused by the ailment. Wilco, the independent motorist store, is reminding drivers of one simple precaution to take before setting out in the car – check your pollen filter.

Research by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester shows that the number of hay fever sufferers has increased in recent years, with a number of reports speculating that this increase is set to continue. Approximately 20% of UK residents now suffer with a pollen allergy, and what was once considered a childhood affliction, is now showing itself in more people aged 40 and over. With increased demand for relief, there are preventative measures sufferers can take.

Pollen filters, or cabin filters, have been fitted as standard for a number of years in most cars, but over time can become clogged and work less efficiently. This spells disaster for hay fever sufferers for whom sneezing, or streaming eyes, could momentarily cause distraction from the road.

Richard Shortis, Managing Director at Wilco, comments on the importance of cabin filters, “Filters can make a massive difference, so don’t let yourself suffer unnecessarily. This is not just about comfort either. The frightening statistic is that if you sneeze when driving at 70mph, you’ll be driving blind for nearly 80 metres, due to the automatic reaction to close your eyes. That’s one end of a football pitch – all the way to the opposite penalty area. This highlights the need to ease hay fever symptoms when driving.

Cabin filters cleanse particles from the air, including pollen, as it enters the car, leaving the air fresher and pollen free but, like most components, they only have a limited life. Most manufacturers recommend changing your cabin filter annually, it is however often forgotten about as part of the annual service. In a survey carried out by Wilco, over 90% of people were not aware of the last time their pollen filter had been changed.

“Changing a filter can be a simple job, with most filters costing under £10, and will get you breathing more easily again in your car” said Mr. Shortis.

Replacing the pollen filter can also have other benefits, older filters can reduce the efficiency of air conditioning systems. So, with the hot weather, you could be breathing more easily, and keep cool, simply by replacing your pollen filter.

For more information, go to wilcodirect.co.uk, or visit your local Wilco branch.