insurethebox warns young motorists to check hay fever medication before getting behind the wheel to avoid the risk of a driving ban

 

As the UK is experiencing another intense allergy season with higher pollen counts than last year, telematics insurance pioneer, insurethebox has issued a warning for drivers to remain wary of the strength of any medication they may be taking, to help relieve their symptoms. Common treatments can affect hearing, vision and reaction times, all of which can severely impact a motorist behind the wheel.

According to research, just 1 in 25 drivers with hay fever admit to having had an accident as a result of driving after taking allergy medication[1]. If a driver is deemed unfit to take the wheel due to effects caused by medication, they may be subject to an unlimited fine and even a prison sentence, in extreme cases.

insurethebox believes that both young and new drivers are amongst the group who are most likely to be unaware of the seriousness of the side effects common over-the-counter medication can have on the body; and that all drugs, whether prescribed, over the counter or illegal, are covered by the same governing laws. The insurance provider has issued a stark warning to their customers, warning of these dangers, and advises those that suffer from conditions consult relevant literature before considering whether they are fit to take the wheel.

Side-effects of standard treatments for hayfever can induce drowsiness, dizziness and nausea – all of which can be attributed to a higher probability of causing a car accident. (LINK)

Gary Stewart, Service Manager at insurethebox, comments, “Hay fever causes misery for millions of people in the UK and many head to their local chemist for tablets and other treatments. Although the medicines ease the sniffy nose and itchy eyes, drivers may not be fully aware of the significant impact these side effects can have on their ability to drive safely.

“If a motorist is pulled over by the police and deemed unfit to drive due to the effect of drugs in their system, it could lead to an unlimited fine or in the worst case, a prison sentence. It’s therefore crucial that drivers read the information that comes with their hay fever medication. We believe this is particularly important for young and recently qualified drivers, who make up some of our most vulnerable road users and are less likely to be aware of the side effects of any medication. Drug driving is a serious charge and all drivers need to take responsibility for checking their medication and deciding whether or not they’re fit to drive.”

 

ENDS

 

Media enquiries to:

Nathan Manley/Pihla Hellgren

Email: press@insurethebox.com

 

Notes to Editors

insurethebox

Insure The Box Limited launched in June 2010 with its first product, insurethebox, and now holds over 5 billion miles of driving data and associated claims. As well as insurethebox and drive like a girl (another Insure The Box brand) it also administers other telematics offerings. insurethebox is owned by Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited, part of the major Japanese insurance group MS&AD Holdings, Inc. The group is taking a leading role in the development of technologies that will change the face of motor insurance and the way we view the car.

[1] https://www.confused.com/on-the-road/driving-law/drug-driving-and-the-law