Deal With Your Hay Fever

Runny nose – sneezing all the time – itchy eyes? For hay fever sufferers, unluckily this is what their summer consists of. Therefore, when driving it can prove to be a struggle, as these symptoms take over you.

Here’s some advice from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, about what you can do to deal with your hay fever.

1. Make sure your car is clean and dust free! In addition to this, use your air conditioning to your advantage.
2. If you’re feeling under the weather and haven’t been diagnosed with hay fever, avoid driving and arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. A cold can seem like a minor thing but can lead to being a major distraction when driving.
3. Whilst over-the-counter medicines can be your saviour when you’ve got a runny nose, a banging headache or sneezing fits – they can affect your vision and make you feel drowsy too. Ask your GP what the side effects are of the medication you’re thinking about taking and what they think is the best course of action.
4. If your GP does suggest taking anti-histamines, ensure they are the non-drowsy ones. Ask for a leaflet or brochure if you’re not sure.
5. Most importantly, if you feel that it is of great importance that you need to be somewhere, arrange with someone to take you there and back home again. Your safety is the main priority here!

Richard said: “If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug driving regulations…

Be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery so you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.”

We hope these five quick tips help you deal with your hay fever and don’t spoil the summer for you. After all, we want everyone to enjoy this great British weather while we can.

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