For hay fever sufferers – there are around 16M in the UK – the good news is that we’re heading towards the end of peak pollen. That’s generally May to July. During this period pollen counts tend to be higher on dry, warm days – and we’ve had plenty of those already this spring and summer.
All of which have an impact on our ability to be 100% in control when behind the wheel. A recent study by Volvo Fleet Car UK involving 2,000 drivers found that 79% of hay fever sufferers agreed that their symptoms had an impact on their ability to drive safely. Nearly 31% said they’d closed their eyes due to itching and 13% had taken both hands off the wheel during a serious sneezing fit. Across a wider slice of the UK’s drivers, over half a million said they’d had a near miss whilst suffering from hay fever.
Private motorists may have an option not to drive if their symptoms are really bad. If it’s your job, you most probably don’t. As a result, many turn to over-the-counter remedies. But this brings with it another danger reported by drivers – drowsiness.
Some simple measures can help alleviate the worst of hay fever symptoms – for example: keeping vehicle windows wound up and using in-car air conditioning and filtration systems, if fitted.
Commenting on the report, Jack Munford, Head of Volvo Fleet Car UK said: “For fleet managers or any organisation with employees who drive for work, road safety extends beyond maintenance and training. With millions of people affected during peak pollen season, employers should be mindful of the impact seasonal allergies have on people who drive for work, alongside other well-being and duty of care considerations.”