Top Tips For Drivers Dealing With Hayfever

Added: 26 June 2019

We all look forward to the warmer weather, but for some of us, it brings with it a runny nose, itchy eyes and constant sneezing. Hayfever can be a real nemesis for some - and for drivers, it can prove to be particularly troublesome.

With this in mind, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, has put together some top tips on what you can do to better cope with hay fever before taking to the road.

Ensure your car is clean and dust free. If it has air conditioning, make sure you use it to your advantage, switching on air re-circulation where possible. It’s also important that you change your pollen filter regularly. (Click here for help with this.)
While over-the-counter medicines will help with a runny nose and sneezing symptoms, they can also blur vision and make you feel drowsy – check with your GP to decide what the best course of action is.
Your GP may advise you to take anti-histamines to control the symptoms, but make sure you take the non-drowsy ones. If you’re unsure, read the leaflet or speak to your pharmacy for more advice.
If you need to get somewhere but don’t feel well enough to drive or ride then see if someone you know can take you and bring you home again. Whatever you do, don’t take yourself - you may just end up sneezing and travelling up to 50ft with your eyes closed and losing control of your vehicle.

Richard said, “If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug driving regulations.

“Be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery so you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.”

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