Motorists suffering from hay fever are being urged to think carefully before getting behind the wheel.

New research revealed the condition may be contributing to dangerous driving behaviour and near-miss incidents on UK roads.

It adds to the previous warning about hay fever driving dangers and potential issues arising from popular medications for sufferers.

In the blink of an eye

A study commissioned by Volvo Car UK found that almost one in three (31%) drivers affected by hay fever have closed their eyes while driving because of their symptoms, while nearly four in five (79%) believe hay fever has, to some extent, affected their ability to drive safely.

The findings come as the UK enters the height of the pollen season, with June identified by 29% of sufferers as the worst month for symptoms.

Specialists have warned that the hay fever season is becoming longer, with different types of hay fever allergies and their seasons overlapping to occupy most of the year due to climate change.

Hay fever affects around 16 million people in the UK, approximately a quarter of the adult population, making it one of the country’s most common seasonal health conditions.

Of particular concern to road safety experts is the finding that 4.9% of respondents reported experiencing a near miss caused or worsened by hay fever symptoms.

Based on the number of licensed drivers in the UK, Volvo estimates this equates to around 535,000 motorists.

Physical and mental

The research also highlighted the physical effects of hay fever that can impair driving performance.

Some 13% of drivers admitted to taking both hands off the steering wheel during a sneezing fit, while a similar proportion said they continued driving despite suffering severe symptoms.

Road safety concerns are not limited to the condition itself.

Nearly one in five drivers (18%) reported feeling sleepy or less alert after taking hay fever medication, raising concerns about reduced concentration behind the wheel.

Younger drivers appeared particularly vulnerable, with 34% of motorists aged 25 to 34 reporting reduced alertness after taking allergy treatments, compared with just 7% of over-65s.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, managing director of Volvo Car UK, said the safety implications of hay fever are often underestimated.

“Many drivers associate hay fever with discomfort or inconvenience, but these findings suggest the safety implications are being underestimated.

“As we enter peak pollen season, motorists should think carefully about how they manage symptoms before driving and take steps to maintain a comfortable cabin environment when behind the wheel.”

Drug dangers

Medical experts have long warned that symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, fatigue, headaches and reduced concentration can significantly impair driving performance.

A sneeze at motorway speeds can effectively leave a vehicle travelling blind for several seconds, while itchy eyes and streaming vision can reduce hazard perception and reaction times.

The RAC has also highlighted concerns around medication.

While many modern antihistamines are non-drowsy, some older treatments can cause sleepiness and reduced alertness.

Drivers are advised to read medication guidance carefully and avoid driving if they feel drowsy.

Prevention and cures

The survey also identified several common mistakes made by drivers during hay fever season.

Nearly one in five (17%) said they open their windows while driving during flare-ups, which can increase pollen exposure inside the vehicle and worsen symptoms.

Road safety organisations recommend motorists minimise risks by checking pollen forecasts before travelling, keeping vehicle windows closed during periods of high pollen, ensuring cabin air filters are regularly replaced, and planning journeys when symptoms are less severe.

With warmer temperatures and longer pollen seasons increasingly linked to climate change, experts warn that hay fever-related driving risks could become a growing challenge for road safety in the years ahead.