Up to one in 10 collisions due to 'driver flu'

MOTORISTS WHO have a flu or heavy cold suffer a similar level of driving impairment to consuming two units of alcohol, according to a new report.

A hazard-perception test carried out by British agency PCP using a simulator found that those with a cold or flu had a score 11 per cent worse than a control group of drivers, which is equivalent to consuming two units of alcohol.

The test was carried out on drivers who were displaying symptoms of the viruses but who were not on medication.

The research also examined other conditions, such as stress, a headache and PMT, but found the level of impairment for people with these conditions was just 4 per cent lower than the control group, or too small to be statistically relevant.

British insurer Lloyds TSB says up to one in 10 collisions in 2008 can be attributed to “driver flu” and is predicting an increase over the coming months as cold and flu cases rise.

Brian Farrell, a spokesman for the Road Safety Authority, said: “If you are too sick to work it stands to reason that your driving will be below par. Drivers also need to be very careful when taking medication that can lead to drowsiness.”

Farrell added that there was also a low level of public awareness on the potentially debilitating effects of certain medications when people get behind the wheel.

PCP tested 102 drivers between December 22nd and January 9th. The study references another recent British government survey that found 38 per cent of motorists had driven while suffering from a bad cold or flu. Of these, 2 per cent reported having a collision while sick and 50 per cent of drivers who did so said the illness contributed to the crash.

Paula Llewellyn, a spokeswoman for Lloyds TSB, said drivers who are unwell needed to be careful, particularly when taking medication or if they are fatigued.

“Our research proves that getting behind the wheel when ill causes thousands of accidents every year. This serves as a double warning: firstly, try to avoid driving if you’re suffering from cold or flu; secondly, be prepared for other drivers’ irresponsibility by making sure you are comprehensively insured.”