The unusually hot weather is already causing drivers to have issues that could result in fines or penalty points, adding to the mounting cost of living expenses. Medical experts talk about ‘thunder fever’ – a rare weather phenomenon that worsens hay fever (and asthma) when thunderstorms and elevated pollen counts across the country combined.
Thunder fever happens when moisture and lightning brought by the storm shatter pollen, usually too large to enter the lungs, into tiny pieces.
With thunderstorms forecast across Britain as the warm spell continues, Quotezone is warning drivers to be aware of the potential dangers.
Whilst drivers need to be careful that sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes brought on by hay fever don’t impair their driving ability, there is a serious risk for those suffering from pollen.
The government legislation that bans driving while under the influence does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications. This means any drug that affects a motorist’s driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it’s something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness. One in four people in the UK has hay fever, which equates to approximately 16 million people.
Other distractions that could be considered careless driving include ‘rubber-necking’ at the storm itself or failure to see through the windscreen correctly if caught in heavy rain.
Experts at Quotezone.co.uk say if drivers find themselves stuck in the car during a thunderstorm, official advice from the Met Office is to wind up the window and stay inside the vehicle. The metal frame of the car should act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers and into the ground if it is struck by lightning.
However, insurance policies might not cover car damage caused by driving through flash floods that accompany thunderstorms. Quotezone warns motorists to check their car insurance policy exclusions carefully, and even if routes are partially blocked, drivers should think twice before using waterlogged roads.
Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson comments: “Driving in the heat alone can be challenging, but there are things drivers need to know to avoid risking penalty points or fines and keep themselves safe on the roads.
“If a storm is predicted, look at official flood warnings, avoid roads likely to flood and allow more travel time. Note that drivers may have to pull over and wait it out if the downpour affects their visibility. Drivers can be fined if they can’t see clearly out of all windows.
“Hay fever symptoms can come on unexpectedly, and some types of medication cause drowsiness or carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning. If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000, points on their licence and endanger themselves and other road users.”
It’s always sensible to check the weather before setting off on long journeys and err on the side of caution; Met Office pollen count forecasts are available here.
Comments are closed.