Driving under the in-FLU-ence: Go.Compare warns poorly motorists to think twice before getting behind the wheel

December not only marks the countdown to Christmas – but also the start of flu season in the UK. And as cases rise, Go.Compare warns, so do the chances that drivers may be inadvertently breaking the law.

Motorists must be able to drive safely and maintain control of their vehicles – and judging your capability on the roads is not always straight-forward. Ryan Fulthorpe, motoring expert at Go.Compare said, “It goes without saying that if you feel unwell or out of sorts, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel. While not strictly illegal, driving with the flu or another cold weather illness could impair your ability to stay focused and in control of your vehicle – which could be dangerous. However, assessing your ability to drive isn’t always as easy as you might think, and it’s important to be mindful of the law.

“If you have taken some medicine to ease your symptoms, you could in fact be breaking the law by driving. Common, legal drugs like painkillers can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, which may not be immediately apparent, but can have a massive effect on a road user’s ability to detect and react to hazards.

“You can be prosecuted with drug driving offences if your driving is deemed to be impaired – even if the drugs you have taken are entirely legal – and the penalties if caught are severe. Much like drink driving, a conviction can land you with a hefty fine, a driving ban, and even jail time. Additionally, those convicted of drug driving can expect to see steep increases in their car insurance premiums, or even find difficulty in obtaining cover.

“If you are prescribed any new medication, make sure to ask your GP whether it will affect your ability to drive. And with over-the-counter medication, read and follow the instructions provided carefully. If you are in any doubt at all about whether you are fit to drive, don’t get behind the wheel.”

Learn more about the legislative and car insurance implications of driving under the influence of drugs – both legal and illegal – here: https://www.gocompare.com/motoring/guides/drug-driving/.  

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