Road safety affected by hay fever?

Date: 31/5/2010

Motorists who suffer with hay fever are being urged to take care as the condition can have serious implications on road safety.

Research from Kwik Fit revealed more than half a million drivers have admitted to losing control of their vehicle because symptoms including a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing have flared up.

And 2.6 million stated they had taken their eyes off the road while they looked for a tissue.

The findings also showed that one in every two drivers aged 18 to 24 are prone to suffering from the ailment, which is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen spores.

Experts have noted a car's air-conditioning system can prove vital in filtering pollen, however individuals need to change the filter annually for it to be effective.

Customer services director at Kwik Fit David White said: "All too often, air-conditioning units are ignored from one summer to the next."

Posted by Sarah Bailey