I’m a driving expert – driving with a common illness can cost you thousands

According to a new survey, one in five motorists risk hefty fines if they do not drive properly.

Getting behind the wheel while on medication or suffering from illnesses such as a cold can face fines of up to £2,500.

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A study by Scrap Car Comparison found that 20 percent of motorists take to the road when the weather is bad, which also increases the likelihood of an accident.

And one in ten said they had taken antihistamines while driving, which could put them at increased risk of an accident.

Even driving with symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a headache could be a big no.

The study, which surveyed more than 1,300 drivers in the UK about the various ailments they suffer from, found that nearly one in five (19%) flirted with fines because they tend to sneeze from a seasonal cold or hay fever.

If they are found to have caused an accident by sneezing, motorists can travel surprisingly long distances with their eyes closed.

Categorized under the charge of “driving without due care and attention”, fines can be as high as £2,500 and result in three to nine penalty points which, as a new driver, you would be awarded – within the first two years of holding a license – if you retake the driving test .

In addition to sneezing, other ailments that people regularly experience while driving, such as fatigue and a runny nose, can be extremely dangerous to driving, especially when it comes to an attempt at single-handed driving to blow a runny nose or lack of concentration.

Dan Gick, Managing Director at Scrap Car Comparison said: “If you feel ill you are at greater risk of having an accident and getting in trouble with the law, or if you are taking medication that could affect your ability to drive.

“However, we know that it is not always that simple, especially when the symptoms already appear while driving. If you feel unwell while driving, try to stop at the earliest opportunity if it is safe to do so.

“It can be a gas station if you’re on a freeway, safely on the side of the road, or somewhere like a parking lot. When you’re safely parked, take some time off from driving, get some fresh air, and give yourself time to relax and consider how you’re feeling.”

“It’s also always important to read the leaflets on your medications or consult a GP to learn more about what you’re taking and what activities to avoid while you’re taking it.

“If you know you must drive while taking medication that could put you at risk of dangerous driving, you should ask a friend or family member to drive you, or use public transportation if your travel is essential.”

The 10 Most Common Symptoms People Admit While Suffering

• Cough – 34%
• Sore throat – 32%
• Runny/Stuffy Nose – 30%
• Headache – 29%
• sneezing – 19%
• Muscle or limb pain – 17%
• Fatigue/Fatigue/Fatigue – 14%
• Stomach cramps – 8%
• High temperature – 7%
• fever – 6%

Top 10 drugs people take while driving

• Paracetamol – 41%
• Ibuprofen – 27%
• Cold and flu medicines/decongestants (e.g. Lemsip, Sudafed) – 19%
• Antidepressants – 12%
• Antihistamines (e.g. Piriton, Piriteze) – 9%
• Morphine, opiates or opioid-based drugs (e.g. codeine, tramadol, fentanyl) – 3%
• Benzodiazepines (e.g. clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, flunitrazepam, oxazepam) – 2%
• Amphetamine (e.g. dexamphetamine or selegiline – often used to treat ADHD) – 2%
• Nabiximol (used to treat multiple sclerosis) -2%
• Natural relaxants (e.g. valerian root, melatonin) – 1%

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