Can Hay Fever Tablets Really Land You With A Driving Ban?
It’s that time of year when we’re bombarded with pollen and millions of people start to suffer from hay fever. But what effect do hay fever tablets have on our driving and can they really get people banned?
Driving On Medication
For many drivers, talk of ‘drug driving’ will make them think of driving under the influence of hardcore, Class A-type drugs. Or, at the very least, using something that’s illegal. But this isn’t the case. As far as the law is concerned, even over the counter prescriptions can, if used incorrectly, land motorists with driving bans, penalty points and criminal convictions. What the law’s concerned with is whether or not your ability as a driver is impaired; something even a modest pain killer can do.
Neil Worth, road safety officer at GEM Motoring Assist, explained the situation. He said, “some medicines, including those used to treat hay fever, can have an effect on your ability to drive safely. They could make you tired, dizzy or groggy, and they can compromise your vision and reaction time”. He added, “that’s why it’s so important to check with your GP or pharmacist, and to read any warnings contained on the labels of the medicines you plan to take”.
Hay Fever Conundrums
Back in 2018, a survey commissioned by Confused.com discovered that 58% of hay fever sufferers had driven a car shortly after taking a treatment; even though many of them can significantly impair their performance behind the wheel. A disturbing 10% of drivers have also admitted to feeling adversely affected when taking prescription drugs. It’s important, then, that drivers are careful when driving whilst on medication – including hay fever remedies.
Drivers should consult their doctor or a medical professional before driving under the influence of a legal medication. They should also carefully read the label and familiarise themselves with the treatment’s effects. If any are adverse, causing fatigue, dizziness or a lack of concentration, driving should be avoided. It might also be worth asking a pharmacist for a recommended alternative; one that might be better suited for you and your lifestyle. Either way, caution is always advised. It’s not worth ending up with a criminal record over a hay fever remedy!
Drug-Driving Convictions Have Quadrupled In Two Years – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/drug-driving-convictions-have-quadrupled-in-two-years/
Coronavirus Lockdown Could Lead To More Drink-Driving – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/coronavirus-lockdown-could-lead-to-more-drink-driving/
