An urgent warning has been issued to motorists as hay fever season is upon us. Many drivers aren't aware of rules surrounding medication, including that taken to ease hay fever symptoms - so it is worth taking note to ensure you don't fall foul of the rules and land yourself with a criminal conviction.
It is possible that motorists could find themselves faced with a charge of driving under the influence when taking over-the-counter medication for summer allergies. Legislation doesn't distinguish drug-driving caused by illicit drugs or over-the-counter or prescribed medication, Birmingham Live reports.
It means that any substance which impacts a motorist's driving ability could lead to a conviction. What's more, the government has now made it clear that it is illegal to drive with drugs in the body if it impairs driving - even if these drugs are legal.
Read more: New Highway Code rules coming into force this year including if drivers run out of fuel
Antihistamines can cause hay fever sufferers to experience drowsiness, reduced reaction times, decreased coordination and judgement, and even blurred vision. The penalties for drug-driving are severe, even if you've only taken hay fever medication that has a side effect of something such as drowsiness.
If convicted, motorists could receive at least a one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. In addition, those drivers will have the conviction displayed on their licence for 11 years and, drivers who cause death by careless driving from taking drowsy antihistamines could even face life imprisonment as their maximum penalty.
Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “You might not think that taking your hay fever tablets could lead to a criminal conviction for drug driving but in actual fact it easily can. If you suffer from allergies and take medication to relieve the symptoms it’s imperative to check that what you are swallowing won’t cause drowsiness before you get in the car.
“Your driving abilities can be seriously impaired from innocently taking hay fever medication such as blurred vision, slow reaction times and drowsiness behind the wheel. Driving in an impaired state under the influence is a very serious matter, meaning the penalties for doing so can be life-changing.
“Even if you take your daily dose of over-the-counter antihistamines before you set off on a regular drive, if your medication warns of drowsiness, you are putting yourself and other road users' lives in jeopardy and risking serious penalties. We’re urging drivers who suffer from summer allergies to check the details of their medication to avoid these serious charges.”
A great deal of prescribed and over-the-counter hay fever medication can contain drugs which cause drowsiness, so it's important to always check which tablets are being taken and read the label. The NHS advises those who take medication which is prone to drowsiness, such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine, to avoid driving and operating machinery.
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