The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and your nose is running like it’s training for a marathon. For allergy sufferers, this season isn’t just about sunshine and picnics; it’s a non-stop sneeze-fest. But are you aware that your hay fever could turn you into a hazard behind the wheel?

Allergies, especially in the spring, with high pollen rates, can affect your driving more than you might expect. From sneezing fits to antihistamine-induced tiredness, here we explore why your sniffles matter on the road and how to stay safe when pollen attacks.

The Side Effects of Allergies on Driving

Sneezing: The Blink-and-You-Miss-a-Tree Effect

One sneeze equates to closing your eyes for up to two seconds. That does not seem long, but at 60 mph, that’s enough to drive the length of a football pitch blindfolded.  A sobering statistic that needs to be understood.

When your eyeballs are itching like they’ve been through a sandstorm and your vision is blurred, spotting a cyclist or traffic light becomes hazardous.

Congestion & Runny Nose: The Distraction Nobody Talks About

Blowing your nose, gasping for air, and dabbing at your face reduces your ability as a driver. Focusing on the road at the same time is challenging.

Brain Fog: AKA The Allergy Hangover

Allergies don’t just mess with your body; they dull your brain, too. Fatigue, sluggish thinking, and the inability to remember why you walked into a room? Now imagine trying to navigate a roundabout in that state.

Medication Mayhem: When Relief Comes with a Side of Drowsy

Some antihistamines don’t just ease your allergies; some can also make you very tired. Always check medication labels. If it states that it may cause drowsiness, avoid driving.

Allergy-Proofing Your Driving Routine: Top Tips

Medicate Wisely

Use doctor-approved medication like non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Avoid the ones that could double as sleeping pills.

Check the Pollen Count

Most weather reports now let us know of the pollen counts, so on high pollen days, you can make better choices if you are aware of them. Stay indoors as much as you can, and if you are driving, roll up the windows and let the car’s air con filter out the worst. Cabin filters in modern cars are brilliant at filtering out pollen.

Use Sunglasses

Sunglasses not only look great, but they also, to some degree, help block pollen. Consider getting prescription glasses for driving with photochromic lenses or transition lenses.

When to Throw in the Tissue and Stay Home

If you’re sneezing so much your steering wheel’s damp, or you can’t keep your eyes open for longer than a sneeze cycle, stay off the road.

Allergies are very annoying, but they don’t have to make you a danger on the road. With planning, the right medication, and a healthy respect for what your body’s telling you, you can steer clear of trouble. Hay fever statistics seem to rise more as each passing year goes by, and it’s not going away anytime soon, so it is better to think forward and plan, watch the pollen reports and most of all – STAY SAFE