While it seems relatively harmless to get behind the wheel of a car when you're suffering from a cold, a driving expert has recently revealed otherwise. They explained that when motorists drive while unwell, or while taking medications that could impact their driving, they could potentially be leaving themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Driving experts at Scrap Car Comparison warned motorists that they could face fines of up to £2,500 as a result of driving while sick. After conducting a survey of more than 1,300 drivers, it revealed that nearly one in five drivers (19%) admit to driving while prone to sneezing (from hayfever or a cold).
Approximately, this equates to almost eight million drivers on UK roads.
Driving under such conditions could land them under the offence of driving without due care and attention if they were to cause an accident as a result of sneezing.
It can potentially see drivers travelling surprisingly long distances with their eyes closed.
It comes as previous research claimed a bad cold or the flu can significantly affect a driver's responses.
One hundred drivers with a range of conditions including colds, stress and headaches and 50 who were healthy were put through a hazard simulator test.
The research, for Lloyds TSB Insurance, found that drivers with colds scored, on average, 11% worse - equivalent to the effect of a double whisky.
The Road Traffic Act states: "A person is to be regarded as driving without due care and attention if (and only if) the way he drives falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver."
Categorised under a 'driving without due care and attention' charge, fines can total £2,500 and result in three to nine penalty points.
If you are a new driver (within the first two years of holding a license), this offence could result in you having to retake your driving test.
The team at Scrap Car Comparison explained that other common symptoms, including the likes of headaches, fatigue, and stomach cramps, can cause serious distraction.
It's advised to avoid driving while suffering from any of these conditions.
Managing Director Dan Gick of Scrap Car Comparison explained: "Driving while feeling ill can put you at increased risk of having an accident and landing yourself in trouble with the law, so the best advice is to stay at home if you feel any of these symptoms, or if you are taking any medication that could impact your driving ability.
"However, we know that it's not always that easy, especially if symptoms start whilst you're already driving. If you start feeling unwell while driving, try to pull over at the earliest possible point when safe to do so.
They went on: "This can be a service station if you're on a motorway, safely on the side of the road, or somewhere such as a car park.
"Once you've parked safely, take some time away from driving, get some fresh air and give yourself time to relax and reassess how you're feeling.
"It's also always important to read the guidance labels on your medications or consult with a GP to find out more about what you're taking and the activities you should avoid doing whilst taking them.
"If you know you need to drive whilst taking medications that could put you at risk of driving dangerously, consider asking a friend or family member to drive you, or take public transport if your journey is essential."
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