Drivers have been warned that they should take extra care when operating their vehicles if they're feeling unwell, as they could risk fines or getting into an accident.
You might think nothing of setting off on a journey when you've got a cough, cold or headache, but these symptoms can greatly impact your driving skills and concentration.
According to new research from Scrap Car Comparison, one in five motorists admit to driving while feeling ill - which could result in a fine of up to £2,500 as well as the risk of getting into a collision.
Although it may seem harmless, almost eight million motorists could in fact be running the risk of a penalty if they are found to have caused an accident as a result of sneezing, which can see drivers travelling distances with their eyes closed.
Categorised under a 'driving without due care and attention' charge, fines can total £2,500 and result in three to nine penalty points, which if you are a new driver would result in you having to retake your driving test.
As well as sneezing, other ailments people regularly admit to driving with, such as tiredness and runny noses, could also be extremely dangerous for driving - especially if it results in attempted one-handed driving to wipe a runny nose or a lapse in concentration.
Dan Gick, managing director at Scrap Car Comparison, said: "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. 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."
10 symptoms people admit to driving with
- Cough – 34%
- Sore throat - 32%
- Runny/blocked nose - 30%
- Headache - 29%
- Sneezes - 19%
- Muscle or body aches - 17%
- Tiredness/fatigue/exhaustion - 14%
- Stomach cramps - 8%
- High temperature - 7%
- Fever - 6%
10 medications people take while driving
- Paracetamol - 41%
- Ibuprofen - 27%
- Cold & flu medications/decongestants (eg. Lemsip, Sudafed) - 19%
- Antidepressants - 12%
- Antihistamines (eg. Piriton, Piriteze) - 9%
- Morphine, opiate or opioid-based drugs (eg. codeine, tramadol, fentanyl) - 3%
- Benzodiazepines (eg. Clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, flunitrazepam, oxazepam) - 2%
- Amphetamine (eg. dexamphetamine or selegiline - often used to treat ADHD) - 2%
- Nabiximols (used to treat multiple sclerosis) -2%
- Natural relaxants (eg. Valerian root, melatonin) - 1%
The study also looked at the medications that people take when driving if they're feeling unwell.
One in 10 drivers were found to take antihistamines behind the wheel, which could cause side effects such as drowsiness - putting drivers at further risk of getting into an accident.
Dan of Scrap Car Comparison added: "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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