Hay fever season has officially begun, and according to the Met Office, parts of Scotland are expected to see high pollen counts this weekend.
While for most, allergies are just a minor inconvenience, for others they can be completely incapacitating.
Being hit by a sudden allergic reaction whilst driving can therefore be incredibly dangerous, as your vision may be obstructed and you may not be able to see the road in front of you.
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Driving while suffering from symptoms of hay fever could land you with a £1,000 fine as it can be classed as a "failure to have proper control of the vehicle and a full view of the road".
Motoring expert at Peter Vardy Craig Forbes said: "Drivers must take responsibility for assessing their own fitness to drive when experiencing symptoms.
"There are ways to minimise symptoms of hay fever during spring, but if your eyes are extremely watery and you feel unwell, your driving could be impaired and you may wish to consider alternative travel in order to avoid a fine."
Fortunately, car specialists at Peter Vardy have compiled a list of six tips for allergy sufferers to keep safe on the road this season.
1. Plan your journey around the pollen forecast
If you’re planning a road trip and suffer from hay fever, check the weather and pollen forecast. The Met Office forecast is updated throughout the hay fever season and provides an early warning when the pollen count is predicted to be high.
If they’re reporting high pollen counts and you’re worried about your ability to drive, consider alternative travel plans or ask someone else to drive.
2. Use essential oils on your air freshener
To make your time in the car during hay fever season that little bit more pleasant, consider using an in-car diffuser and using drops of essential oils to combat your symptoms.
Lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus all have anti-inflammatory properties and can unblock stuffy noses naturally. If you don’t have an in-car diffuser, drop the oils on an old air freshener and hang it near your air conditioning vent to reap the same benefits.
3. Take non-drowsy allergy medication
If you have purchased over-the-counter medication, always check the information leaflet as to whether you should drive or not. If it states that a side effect may be drowsiness, err on the side of caution and do not get behind the wheel.
Non-drowsy medications can be taken to alleviate hay fever symptoms, but always ask your GP or pharmacist if you are in any way unsure about driving.
4. Clean your car
It’s important to clean your car regularly throughout pollen season, so as to get rid of any pollen particles that make their way into the vehicle. Use your vacuum and duster to get rid of any pollen dust on your dashboard and seats.
Doing so will prevent the build-up of pollen inside the car that can worsen your symptoms.
5. Keep car windows closed
Closing your windows while driving not only prevents pollen from being directly blown into the cabin, but also from flying into your eyes and impairing your vision.
6. Avoid rural locations
Try to pick a route that doesn’t include driving through rural locations. Hay fever symptoms can be exacerbated in the countryside, most likely due to open spaces blowing around pollen and thus affecting those who are allergic more severely.
If your destination is in a rural area, consider opting for a different destination or asking someone else to drive for the duration of your staycation.
