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 Spring
is a time for blossoming flowers and freshly cut grass. However,
for people that suffer from hay fever, it can be a nightmare.
Every day, thousands of drivers who wouldn't dream of driving
under the influence of drink or drugs get into their car suffering
from symptoms that affect their concentration and increase
their risk of having a crash.
We
all know about many of the health problems that can affect
driving skills and people suffering from a serious medical
condition are obviously a risk when on the road - a cold,
a headache, tiredness, stress, indigestion, a stiff neck,
a bad back, stiff joints, feeling claustrophobic in tunnels,
and the fear of insects in the car - the list is endless.
But, as we approach the start of the hay fever season, it's
worth giving extra thought to the fact that a sudden burst
of sneezing can often cause a driver to lose concentration
and vision for a considerable distance. This means that if
a hay fever sufferer has a bout of eight or nine sneezes when
travelling at 70mph on a motorway, vision could be lost for
up to half a mile.
For
sufferers, if you have concerns surrounding the effects of
hay fever and if you drive a car find out if pollen filers
are available, if they are, get some fitted in your car. Make
sure that any medication that you take for hay fever is suitable
to use if you're going to drive. And remember, many hay fever
remedies cause drowsiness.
But
for those of us in front, behind or beside a sufferer it's
good to be vigilant about sudden changes from other drivers
too and taking extra care on the roads during high pollen
counts!
 Bryan
Lunn from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) will be
joining us live online on Tuesday 27th April 13:30 –14:30pm.
Having risen through the ranks as a Traffic Officer, he then
become Commandant of the Metropolitan Police Driving School
and finally, Chief Examiner for the IAM. He will be revealing
how we can stay safe in our cars and ensure how we see clearly
before we approach the hay fever season and step into our
motors.
For
more information visit www.iam.org.uk
Make
sure you get your questions in early by emailing: questions@webchats.tv
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Spring
is in the air