How to avoid being struck by hay fever symptoms behind the wheel as peak pollen season approaches
HAY FEVER sufferers are being warned to take extra care when driving in peak pollen season.
Millions of motorists could be at greater risk of having a crash if they suffer from the condition.
As warmer weather begins to set in, motorists are being urged to prepare their vehicle for an explosion of pollen.
Servicing your air conditioning system can help prevent hay fever symptoms, such as a sneezing, coughing and fatigue.
And properly maintained air filters in your car will help limit the amount of pollen that can enter the cabin.
If you do suffer from the condition, be sure to change the filters in your vehicle at least once a year – or every six months if you live in a more polluted area.
How to avoid hay fever symptoms while driving
Experts at Halfords Autocentres put together these top tips to help you dodge the symptoms of hay fever while driving:
- Regularly service your air conditioning system and replace pollen filters every 12 months.
- Keep your windows closed while driving and set air conditioning to recycle the air to stop particles coming into the car.
- Vacuum your car regularly to remove any dust and particles from the carpet and mats that may cause you to sneeze.
- Wear sunglasses to stop pollen reaching your eyes.
- Avoid parking your car underneath a tree which could drop pollen particles.
- Check with your GP which hay fever medication is safe to use while driving.
- Slow down or safely pull over if you think you’re going to sneeze.
When driving in summer, you should keep your windows closed and set your air conditioning to recirculate the air within the car.
This will help reduce the amount of pollen that’s taken in by the air conditioning system and allow you to drive without sneezing.
It can also be beneficial to regularly vacuum inside your vehicle to remove any dust from the carpet, mats and upholstery that might make you cough.
Wearing sunglasses and avoiding parking underneath a tree are some other methods you can use to stop pollen reaching your eyes.
If you do struggle with severe hay fever, you can use over-the-counter medication to overcome certain symptoms.
But be careful, as hay fever medication can cause sleepiness, sickness and dizziness, putting you at higher risk of having an accident.
If caught by the police using antihistamines which affect your ability to drive safely, you can be hit with a minimum one year driving ban and an unlimited fine.
Your guide to car maintenance
Rebecca Ashton, head of driver behaviour at IAM RoadSmart, said: “A sneeze or sniffle has a way of creeping up on you, especially when you least expect it.
“Keep your car clear of dust and pollen by vacuuming carpets, mats and upholstery; this will help reduce the problem.
“Check to see if there is a pollen filter available for your car – if you have one installed, does the filter need changing?
“Taking the right non-drowsy medication is vital – charging into the chemist with an itchy nose, and eyes running to pick up the nearest antihistamines can be costly and could cause drowsiness. Always read the label, or better still ask the pharmacist.”
Aaron Edwards, a spokesman for Halfords Autocentres, said: “A properly maintained air conditioning system is a vital first line of defence for hay fever sufferers and can help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
“Air con units can often be ignored from one summer to the next, but will be at their most efficient if properly maintained and the pollen filter is changed regularly.
“Pollen filters work to remove pollen particles from the outside air before they’re passed into the car’s cabin.”