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Allergy alert – tips for drivers during the hay fever season

The hay fever season sets in for tree pollen in April and June for grass pollen and approximately 24 million motorists (72 per cent) will be affected by distracting symptoms - including itchy and watery eyes, blocked or runny noses and frequent sneezing - when behind the wheel, according to research by esure car insurance.

In fact, we estimate in excess of 2 million UK motorists (7 per cent) have had an accident, near miss, or momentarily lost control of their car as a result of sneezing while driving. Alarmingly, almost one third (30 per cent) of drivers surveyed admit to taking their eyes off the road to search for tissues in their car when they are experiencing symptoms.

Here are some expert tips from Professor Brian Lipworth, professor of Allergy and Respiratory medicine at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, to help you keep safe behind the wheel during the hay fever season:

• An in-car purifier or ioniser (designed to clear the air of pollen) may help hay fever sufferers by reducing pollen particles in their vehicles.
• If you are taking medicine for your symptoms, make sure it is suitable if you are going to drive – many hay fever medicines can cause drowsiness, so always check the labels carefully. Most modern over the counter antihistamines, like loratadine and cetirizine, are not sedative and are safe to take while driving.
• Aim to take hayfever treatments at least two weeks in advance of the pollen season i.e. before the onset of symptoms in April for tree pollen and in June for grass pollen.
• Most modern cars can now have pollen filters fitted – make sure your car is equipped with these, and that the filter is cleaned and replaced on a regular basis. But if you change or add an air filter to your car you should let your insurance company know as it may enhance the performance of your car and be classed as a modification.
• Watch the pollen count on weather reports and check it before you drive.
• Remember that you are just as likely to encounter pollen when driving in urban areas as well as the countryside.
• Make sure you keep a bottle of water in the car with you, as dehydration can exacerbate hayfever symptoms.
• Keep a good supply of tissues in your car to avoid watery eyes and blurry vision.
• If your symptoms are particularly bad, try to avoid driving altogether, or get another person to drive for you.