Expert explains how to drive with hay fever as pollen count soars

This week, the Met Office has warned that the weather will create the perfect storm for pollen production.

A high level of pollen can trigger symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, throat and mouth, earache, and fatigue. This can make driving extremely difficult for hay fever sufferers. 

With up to 1 in 5 people being affected by hay fever at some point in their life, Dorry Potter, an expert at National Scrap Car, has shared some ways to aid driving if you struggle with hay fever. 

Tips for drivers with hay fever

Check the pollen forecast before setting off 

With hay fever being an allergic reaction to pollen, before setting off on a journey you should check the pollen forecast first. You can do this through any weather app such as the Met Office. These pollen calendars provide up to five days ahead showing when the pollen count is predicted to be high. If you know you have bad hay fever symptoms, you could try and avoid driving on these days or take extra care to minimise your exposure to pollen.

Beware taking hay fever medication before driving

It is a criminal offence in England and Wales to drive whilst unfit to do so due to drugs, this applies to both illegal drugs and legally prescribed or over-the-counter medicines. Common medications can often lead to a driver being over the drug driving limit if taken in a higher quantity.

If you have bought over-the-counter hay fever medication, check the information leaflet that comes with it to ensure you are safe to drive. Some over-the-counter medications will warn you not to drive or advise against it due to drowsy side effects. 

If your medication is affecting your driving, you should always stop driving in a safe location such as a service station, safely on the side of the road, or a car park.  Non-drowsy hay fever medication is widely available. Check your options with your GP or pharmacist.

Wear sunglasses

One of the biggest problems with having hay fever when driving is your vision. Aside from making a fashion statement and blocking out the sun. wearing sunglasses will stop pollen particles from getting near your eyes causing irritation and ultimately help keep your vision clear.

Vacuum regularly

Pollen particles and dust can easily get inside your vehicle which can worsen your hay fever allergies. Make sure that you vacuum regularly to reduce the amount of it around you. You could also frequently wipe down your dashboard to get rid of any dust that may have settled. Leaving it to build up will make the symptoms of your hay fever worse.

Keep windows and doors shut 

This may sound obvious but an open window allows for more pollen to get into your vehicle, making your hay fever worse, which ultimately makes it harder for you to drive. It might be tempting to open your windows when it is a hot summer’s day, however ensuring your windows are up will prevent you from sneezing and experiencing other dangerous symptoms. To ensure you and your passengers are cool, instead crank up the air conditioning.

Make sure you’re safe to drive before setting off 

Before setting off on your journey, you should check you are fit to drive your vehicle. Although hay fever does not need to be reported to the DVLA, it is your responsibility to check you are fit to drive if you are experiencing symptoms, failure to do so can result in big fines. If you cause an accident due to sneezing, or other hay fever symptoms such as drowsiness or attempting to drive one-handed to wipe your runny nose, you can be fined a total of £2,500 and three to nine penalty points due to ‘driving without due care and attention.’

If you are feeling unwell or your symptoms become worse whilst driving, you should stop driving when you reach a safe place such as a car park or service station. Take some time, get some food or water if you can, get some fresh air and reassess how you’re feeling.

Get a Pollen filter fitted 

As most pollen enters into the car through windows or vents such as air-conditioning, if your vehicle doesn’t already have them then pollen filters are a great way to reduce this. These are widely available for all makes and models of cars in highstreet motoring retailers such as Halfords or online stores. Pollen air filters are placed in the engine compartment or cabin, and using an electrostatic paper filter, they collect pollen, dirt and debris and prevents them from entering your vehicle.

Most new cars are already fitted with a pollen filter, however, most manufacturers suggest a new pollen filter every year (or 10,000 to 15,000 miles), if you regularly drive in very polluted cities or rural areas with lots of pollen or you park your car near a lot of trees, you may need to change yours more often.

If you also tend to suffer badly from hay fever or similar allergies, then you might want to replace your pollen filter more frequently so that it’s always working well enough to prevent any discomfort.

Use Vaseline
A popular hack to reduce hay fever symptoms is using Vaseline around your nostrils, lips and eyelashes. This effectively creates a barrier, collecting and trapping pollen before you can breathe it in, reducing hay fever symptoms.

Wash regularly 
During times when there is a high pollen count, have an extra shower each day you’ve been out and wash your clothes more. This will wash off any pollen that has got on you during the day, reducing your hay fever symptoms.