Motorists with heavy colds 'as bad as drink drivers'

05 Jan 2012

As tests show drivers reaction speeds when having a cold are worse than people who have downed four large whiskies, therefore drivers have been urged not to take to the road in that state.

A new report showed that motorists afflicted by heavy colds or flu, suffer a major loss of concentration while driving, putting themselves and other road users at risk. A dramatic increase in poor driving was found by experts with victims of a cold. Dropping reaction times and more frequent sudden braking were results of the motorist being less aware of surrounding traffic, while cornering also became erratic.
With the winter flu season hitting Britain, the latest research shows that driving ability is estimated to drop by over 50per cent when motorists are under the weather. This is the equivalent of downing over four double whiskies - a level of driving ability that an insurance company would expect to lead to an accident.

Using Halfords telematics box, insurance company Young Marmalade carried out the research in. Their Co Founder, Nigel Lacy said: "This small-scale trial provides a warning for motorists. A heavy cold can impair a driver's mood, concentration and judgement."

This results back up findings by Cardiff Common Unit showing that those with colds and flu suffered from poor reaction times and were a third more likely to hit the roadside kerb.

"We want our customers to stay safe. You shouldn't drive if you are not feeling well. The best place to be when you have flu or a heavy cold is at home, but if you really must go out, get someone else to take you and avoid driving", Halfords Winter Driving Expert Mark Dolphin recommended.