Motorists are being urged to take extra precautions during the spring and summer months as rising pollen levels increase the risk of distraction and danger on the roads.

Experts have stated that pollen levels have risen and become more concentrated, probably due to climate change.

It is leading to stronger effects for hayfever sufferers, but could also be affecting more drivers due to the unusual convergence of different pollen releases.

Seasonal challenges 

With millions of UK drivers affected by hayfever each year, experts warn that symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue can significantly impair driving ability, sometimes with consequences comparable to drink-driving.

According to road safety research, a single sneeze at 70mph can cause a driver to travel blind for up to 100 metres.

During that time, reaction time is effectively lost, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Studies have also suggested that severe hay fever symptoms can slow reaction times by as much as 30%, and that certain medications may cause drowsiness.

Health specialists link these risks to hayfever, a common allergic condition triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

Cleaning the air

The UK’s pollen season typically runs from March to September, with grass pollen peaking in late spring and early summer—often coinciding with higher traffic volumes and longer distance travel.

Automotive experts say one of the simplest yet most overlooked ways to reduce symptoms in the car is to use pollen filters correctly.

These filters, fitted to most modern vehicles, are designed to prevent allergens from entering the cabin through the ventilation system.

However, they are often neglected or used incorrectly.

A recent industry press release highlights that many drivers fail to replace their pollen filters regularly, reducing their effectiveness and allowing allergens to circulate inside the vehicle.

In some cases, clogged filters can even worsen air quality, exacerbating symptoms rather than relieving them.

Technicians recommend replacing pollen filters at least once a year, or more frequently for drivers who cover high mileages or regularly travel in rural areas where pollen concentrations are higher.

Activating the car’s air recirculation mode can also help limit the amount of pollen entering the cabin, particularly during periods of high pollen count.

Prevention

Drivers are also advised to keep windows closed when pollen levels are high and to clean dashboards and vents regularly to remove settled particles.

Wearing sunglasses can reduce irritation from airborne pollen, while applying a small amount of petroleum jelly around the nostrils may help trap allergens before they are inhaled.

Medication is another important consideration.

While antihistamines can relieve symptoms, some older types can cause drowsiness.

Motorists are urged to check labels carefully and, if in doubt, consult a pharmacist to ensure any treatment will not impair their ability to drive safely.

Fleet operators are increasingly recognising hay fever as a seasonal risk factor.

With large numbers of employees on the road, particularly in logistics and service sectors, even minor impairments can increase the likelihood of incidents.

As a result, some companies are incorporating seasonal health advice into driver safety programmes.

Pollen-proofing 

1. Replace your cabin pollen filter before the season starts.

Every car with air conditioning has a cabin pollen filter, a layer of woven fibre that traps airborne particles before they reach the interior. A clean filter captures particles as small as 0.3 microns, far smaller than a pollen grain. But as it collects debris over the months, airflow drops and allergens begin slipping through.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. The best time is just before pollen season begins, so the filter is fresh when counts are highest. Your vehicle handbook will confirm the interval for your model, or you can ask at your next service.

2. Use your air con’s recirculation mode, but switch it off periodically.

The recirculation button, usually shown as a car icon with a curved arrow, stops the air conditioning from drawing in outside air and instead loops the cabin air back through the system. It is one of the most effective ways to keep pollen out. But leaving it running for an entire journey allows CO2 and humidity to build up inside the car, which can cause drowsiness and fog the windows.

On high pollen days, activate recirculation with the air conditioning on and all windows closed. On longer journeys, switch briefly to fresh air mode every 15 to 20 minutes to ventilate the cabin, then switch back. This keeps allergen levels low without letting CO2 build to a point where it affects concentration.

3. Check your hay fever medication before getting behind the wheel.

Many common hay fever tablets belong to an older class of antihistamines that cause drowsiness, slower reaction times, and blurred vision. Active ingredients such as chlorphenamine, found in Piriton, and promethazine, found in Phenergan, cross the blood-brain barrier and act as sedatives. Under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, driving while impaired by any substance, including over-the-counter medication, is a drug driving offence carrying a minimum one-year ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months in prison.

Before driving, check the label for drowsiness warnings. The NHS recommends non-drowsy alternatives such as cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine as first-line treatments. If you have already taken a drowsy antihistamine, wait at least 12 hours before driving. A pharmacist can confirm which type you are taking in minutes.

4. Wipe your interior with a damp cloth, not a dry duster.

Pollen settles on the dashboard, steering wheel, seats, and floor mats every time a door is opened. Using a dry cloth to clean these surfaces lifts the grains back into the cabin air, where they circulate and trigger symptoms all over again. Many drivers unknowingly make their hay fever worse each time they clean.

Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe down hard surfaces including the dashboard, door panels, and centre console. The moisture traps pollen on the cloth rather than scattering it. For fabric seats, carpets, and mats, a vacuum with an upholstery attachment will lift embedded pollen. A thorough clean at the start of the season, topped up with a quick weekly wipe, can make a real difference.

For more seasona

Understanding the problem

Road safety organisations stress that awareness is key.

Despite the prevalence of hayfever, many drivers underestimate its impact behind the wheel.

Unlike more visible hazards, symptoms can develop gradually, leading motorists to continue driving without recognising the risk.

Simple steps for a safer and more comfortable journey, including checking daily pollen forecasts, maintaining vehicle filters and managing symptoms effectively, can make a significant difference.

Experts warn that taking hayfever seriously is not just a matter of comfort but of safety.

By ensuring both driver well-being and vehicle systems are properly managed, motorists can reduce risks and stay focused on the road during a challenging time of the year.