Drivers feeling the effects of the cold and flu season have been urged to take it easy behind the wheel to avoid causing accidents and being slapped with fines of up to £2,500.
Whilst temperatures across the UK are beginning to rise, many Brits are currently suffering from the cold and flu season, which could distract them from the road.
Motoring experts at local services search engine Yell suggested that sneezing behind the wheel can be particularly hazardous.
They warned: “Any driver will say sneezing behind the wheel is something that’s best avoided. There’s a high risk of losing control of the car, impairing your vision, where you could end up travelling around 155ft with your eyes closed, or simply swerving into another lane.
“Although not an official law, if you are found to be unwell behind the wheel and sneezing is found to be the cause of an accident, drivers can receive a fine of between £100 to £2,500 and three to nine licence points depending on the severity of the accident.”
Despite taking place in a fraction of a second, sneezing almost certainly requires a driver to close their eyes, meaning their view of the road is restricted.
As a result, motorists travelling at high speeds, such as when using a motorway, could find themselves with significantly less time than normal to react to a sudden scenario.
Brits who caused an accident by sneezing behind the wheel can be charged with driving without due care and attention, with the maximum penalty being £2,500 and nine penalty points.
Yell also recommended that drivers take it easy if they are feeling fatigued or light-headed, which can severely slow down reaction times.
They continued: “Illness can cause a foggy head, confusion and fatigue, making it much harder to concentrate on the roads. Although there is not a specific offence when driving whilst tired or ill, you are significantly increasing your chances of committing other offences and causing collisions.
“If you are convicted of driving whilst fatigued or from distractions related to an illness, you could be facing charges of dangerous driving, an unlimited fine, a driving ban and up to 14 years in prison.”
