Warning drivers could face £2,500 fine for sneezing behind the wheel this week
Drivers are being warned that they could face a fine of up to £2,500 if they sneeze at the wheel.
As the weather gets warmer, some may start to struggle as pollen levels rise and cause allergies to flare up and just this week, the Met Office issued a "high" and "very high" pollen warning.
Although you may not have realised, but this could cause a problem for those who are driving.
The Highway Code states that you must not drive "without due care and attention" and if you break this rule, it could result in a £2,500 fine and three or more penalty points.
According to the car sales site, Your Red Car, this could include sneezing at the wheel - a common symptom of hay fever - if it makes you lose control of the car.
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Symptoms of hay fever can be unpleasant, however, if they occur while driving, they could also be dangerous.
Denton Brock, head of Your Red Car, has compiled together five ways you can keep your hay fever at bay when on the road.
Keep your car windows closed
It's a lovely feeling driving with the window open, especially as the weather gets warmer.
However, Denton explains that if you suffer from hay fever, it is better to keep your windows closed as it will minimise pollen exposure, preventing it from travelling through air vents and into the car.
Denton told Mirror Money: "When driving, the wind can also blow pollen into your vehicle, aggravating common hayfever symptoms such as sneezing and coughing.
"You will find that if your windows are closed for the duration of your journey, your driving experience will be more comfortable."
Keep your car in a garage rather than parking on the drive or on the road
If you can, Denton advises that you park your car in a garage during the spring and summer months - particularly when there are high pollen warnings.
He said: "Parking on your drive or on the road can allow pollen to enter the car even when it’s stationary, so, if possible, always try to keep your car in your garage.
"Wind gusts from trees and nearby flowers will travel up through the car and allow spores to reproduce. Keeping your car in a garage can also prevent mould and rain from interfering with hay fever symptoms."
Clean your car more
Although it may seem obvious, keeping both the internal and external parts of your car clean when pollen levels are high is also important to ensure your hayfever symptoms are kept at bay.
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Denton added: "Pollen can also sometimes be acidic, so tree pollen for example can end up damaging the car's external paintwork. Keep on top of both internal and external cleaning."
Change air filters often
If you’re cleaning your car but finding that pollen is still present, Denton says you should also consider changing your air filters.
The motor expert explained that pollen can sometimes get stuck, and therefore clog the filters which can then cause discomfort and cause bad air quality.
He added: "Clean air should be able to travel through air vents easily."
Put excess clothes and blankets in a bag
Denton also noted that with pollen season also comes picnic season which could bring huge waves of pollen into your car if you're not careful.
If you are out frolicking in nature for the day, then your clothing can sometimes pick up pollen which can trigger hay fever symptoms if brought into your car.
Denton added: "To prevent this, make sure everything is put into a bag, so it doesn’t interfere with driving on the way home, and make sure items are washed to get rid of the pollen."
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