As the weather gets drier and warmer, hay fever suffers may have to break out their antihistamines to alleviate sniffly symptoms.
However, a warning has been issued over using these drugs while behind the wheel, as they could lead to some serious convictions. Antihistamines can cause hay fever sufferers to experience drowsiness, reduced reaction times, decreased coordination and judgement as well as blurred vision.
Price comparison site Quotezone warns that it is illegal to drive with drugs - even if they are legal - in the body if it impairs driving in Scotland. If convicted, motorists could expect to receive at least a one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone said: "You might not think that taking your hay fever tablets could lead to a criminal conviction for drug driving, but in actual fact it easily can.
"If you suffer from allergies and take medication to relieve the symptoms, it’s imperative to check that what you are swallowing won’t cause drowsiness before you get in the car.
"Your driving abilities can be seriously impaired from innocently taking hay fever medication, such as blurred vision, slow reaction times and drowsiness behind the wheel.
"Driving in an impaired state under the influence is a very serious matter, meaning the penalties for doing so can be life-changing."
Additionally, drivers who cause death by careless driving from taking drowsy antihistamines could face life imprisonment as the maximum penalty.
The NHS strongly advises those who take medications prone to drowsiness - such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine - to avoid driving and operating machinery.
Many prescribed and over the counter hay fever medications do contain these drugs which cause drowsiness, so it’s always important to check which tablets are being taken.
Greg adds: "Even if you take your daily dose of over-the-counter antihistamines before you set off on a regular drive, if your medication warns of drowsiness, you are putting yourself and other road users' lives in jeopardy and risking serious penalties.
"We're urging drivers who suffer from summer allergies to check the details of their medication to avoid these serious charges."
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