SNIFFLY drivers have been warned they face a whopping £5000 fine and JAIL time if they knock back hay fever pills before getting behind the wheel.
That’s because some tablets Brits take to tackle the crippling effects of pollen are so strong that experts say they leave you under the influence and unfit to drive.
1
Hay fever pills can leave you feeling drowsy and tired which affects your driving abilities and incredibly, this can result in a drug-driving conviction.
This is because government legislation that bans driving while under the influence does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
As one in four Brits suffer from hay fever, 16 million Brits are at risk of driving under the influence – despite many having absolutely no idea.
The extraordinary warning from car insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk comes as the Met Office forecast pollen levels rocketing from medium to high this weekend.
But fear not, as there are measures you can put in place to avoid getting yourself in trouble with the law.
These include checking your medication before hopping in the car.
While drivers can also protect themselves by closing the window on journeys and planning when to drive to avoid intense pollen levels.
Stocking your car with hay fever tablets that don’t leave you drowsy is also recommended.
Greg Wilson, Founder of the site said: “Most people assume that the term ‘drug-driving’ refers to driving while under the influence of illicit narcotics.
“But the truth is that driving after taking any type of drug, could result in a motoring conviction if the motorist’s driving abilities are impaired.
“While some hay fever medications are non-drowsy, some types do cause drowsiness, and some prescription hay fever tablets in particular carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning.”
He went on: “If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000, points on their licence and endanger themselves and other road users.”
HAY WATCH OUT!
Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers:
- Check medication – antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with the doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label.
- Plan journeys – check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app.
- Keep the car as pollen-free as possible – clean the car regularly to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, change pollen filters in the car’s ventilation system and keep car windows closed during journeys.
- Get stocked up – keep the car stocked with fresh tissues, hay fever medicine, a bottle of water, eye drops and anything used to ease the symptoms.
- Drive safely – better to err on the side of caution, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start.
For all the latest Automobiles News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
