As hay fever season begins in earnest, new research from Kwik-Fit Insurance Services reveals that the high pollen count could also have a worrying effect on UK road users. During the summer months many will turn to medication to combat hay fever symptoms and still drive despite suffering potentially dangerous side effects.

Over two fifths (42%) of UK adults suffer from allergies and a quarter of UK adults (26%) will use medication for hay fever. Of those who suffer from hay fever and take medication, half (49%) have admitted to feeling drowsy as a side effect of the drugs they use. Worryingly, despite this admission, half (49%) of all hay fever sufferers who take medication make no reduction in the amount of driving they do when using the remedies.

Most common side effects suffered by hay fever sufferers on medication

Drowsiness

49%

Dry mouth

34%

Impaired thinking

18%

Dizziness

13%

Blurred vision

11%

A fifth (22%) of those who drive whilst using these medications have experienced side effects whilst driving that directly led to an incident involving another car. A further 16% have felt side effects behind the wheel but have so far avoided any incidents as a result.

Drowsiness tops the list of side effects experienced when using hay fever medication whilst driving with three quarters (73%) admitting to feeling sleepy behind the wheel. This potential for danger on the road could be exacerbated with recent research by Boots stating that, on average, hay fever sufferers lose 72 minutes of sleep a night during the summer.

Jason Banwell, Managing Director at Kwik Fit Insurance Service said: “These findings are worrying as we enter the summer months and it seems that some drivers still do not recognise the dangers of driving whilst feeling the side effects of common, over the counter medication. A hot summer can mean a high pollen count and potentially people taking more than the prescribed dose to combat hay fever which brings with it a multitude of dangers including driving impairment.”

“As with all medication it is important to read all labels and make sure it is properly used. Also if people are prone to side effects, try to cut out as many non-essential car journeys as possible. Recently updated drug driving laws mean that some over the counter medicine can put people over certain limits and our survey found that 71% of UK adults had no idea about these changes. Drivers need to educate themselves and err on the side of caution to stay safe on the roads.”