Source : Perth Now news
Hay fever sufferers are being warned to take extra care behind the wheel after a survey found the seasonal allergy could be putting motorists at greater risk of crashes.
With pollen levels soaring in the heat and around one in four Britons affected by hay fever, new research suggests symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and drowsiness are creating dangerous distractions on the road.
The poll of 2,000 motorists with hay fever, commissioned by Volvo, found four in five believe their symptoms affect their ability to drive safely.
Perhaps most alarmingly, almost a third admitted they have closed their eyes while driving because of hay fever irritation.
The research revealed 31 per cent of sufferers shut their eyes due to symptoms such as itching and watering, while 13 per cent confessed to taking both hands off the wheel during sneezing fits.
Medication may also be contributing to the problem.
Almost one in five motorists, 18 per cent, said hay fever treatments had left them feeling sleepy behind the wheel.
And for some drivers the consequences have come dangerously close.
Five per cent of those surveyed, estimated to be around 535,000 motorists nationwide, said they had experienced a near miss linked to hay fever symptoms.
Drivers aged between 25 and 44 were found to be around five times more likely than over-65s to have had a near miss.
Experts say many people may be underestimating the safety risks posed by the common allergy.
Hay fever can trigger streaming eyes, blocked noses and sudden sneezing, all of which can reduce concentration and reaction times during journeys.
Motoring specialists recommend keeping car windows shut during high pollen days to help minimise exposure while driving.
Nicole Mellio Shaw, of Volvo UK, said: “These findings suggest the safety implications are being underestimated.
“Our vehicles offer excellent cabin filtration systems which significantly reduce pollen allergens.”
