Heavy Cold Can Affect Driving as Much as Drinking Alcohol

Drivers suffering from a heavy cold or flu could be putting themselves and other road users at risk according to new research by Halfords and Young Marmalade.

Somerset Road Safety believes the findings are a clear warning for drivers not to get behind the wheel if they’re suffering from heavy colds or flu.

The research, which supports the findings of a recent study by Cardiff University, identifies that cold and flu sufferers experience a significant drop in concentration levels and reaction times whilst behind the wheel of a driving simulator. Sudden braking was seen to increase and cornering became erratic as drivers struggled to concentrate on the surrounding traffic.

One participant in the study experienced a drop in driver rating from 95% (classed as excellent) to 60%, a level where an insurance company would expect the driver to be involved in a collision. This drop in performance is similar to the effect of drinking over four double whiskies.

Jim Newman, Road Safety Officer with Somerset Road Safety said: “Common conditions such as colds or flu, migraines, upset stomachs and allergies are often tolerated and the driver soldiers on regardless of the effects on their driving ability. We need to be more honest with ourselves about how these conditions affect our ability to drive safely.”

“If you’re feeling unwell don’t get behind the wheel. If you must go out, take an alternative mode of transport or ask someone else to drive you.”

Many popular over the counter medications can cause drowsiness or affect driving ability in other ways and Police have warned that a person rendered unfit to drive through medication is committing the same offence as if they had taken illegal drugs.