UK motorists are being alerted to a little-known weather phenomenon called 'thunder fever' that can worsen hay fever and asthma symptoms, potentially leading to driving impairment and fines of up to £5,000, according to car insurance comparison site Quotezone.
Thunder fever occurs when moisture and lightning from thunderstorms shatter pollen particles that are normally too large to enter the lungs into tiny pieces, significantly aggravating hay fever and asthma. With thunderstorms forecast across parts of Britain as the warm spell continues, Quotezone is warning drivers to be aware of the potential dangers.
Medication and driving laws
The government legislation that bans driving while under the influence does not distinguish between illegal drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications. This means any type of drug that affects a motorist's driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it's something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness, according to Quotezone.
One in four people in the UK has hay fever, which equates to approximately 16 million people. While drivers need to be careful that sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes brought on by hay fever doesn't impair their driving ability, there is a genuine risk for those suffering with the pollen.
Storm safety and insurance pitfalls
Experts at Quotezone.co.uk say if drivers find themselves stuck in the car during a thunderstorm, official advice from the Met Office is to wind up the window and stay inside the vehicle – the metal frame of the car should act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers and into the ground, should it be struck by lightning.
However, any damage to cars caused by driving through flash floods that accompany thunderstorms might not be covered by insurance policies. Quotezone warns motorists to carefully check their car insurance policy exclusions, and even if routes are partially blocked, drivers should think twice before using waterlogged roads.
Expert advice for drivers
Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson comments: "Driving in the heat alone can be challenging but there are things drivers need to know to avoid risking penalty points or fines and keep themselves safe on the roads.
"If a storm is predicted, look at official flood warnings, avoid roads that are likely to flood and allow more travel time, note drivers may have to pull over and wait it out if the downpour starts to affect their visibility – drivers can be fined if they can’t see clearly out of all windows.
"Hay fever symptoms can come on unexpectedly and some types of medication do cause drowsiness or carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning.
"If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000, points on their licence and endanger themselves and other road users."
Other distractions that could be classed as careless driving include ‘rubber-necking’ at the storm itself or failure to see through the windscreen properly, if caught in heavy rain. Drivers are advised to check their insurance policies and heed official flood warnings to avoid penalties and stay safe during stormy conditions.
