Post by kokonutwoman on Feb 14, 2009 6:40:37 GMT 12
Driving with flu as risky as double scotch
By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post | Saturday, 14 February 2009
Driving with a bad cold or flu could be as dangerous as driving after drinking, new research suggests.
One hundred British drivers who were sick with a range of conditions, including colds, flu, stress headaches and premenstrual syndrome, were put through a hazard simulator test, along with 50 unaffected people.
The study found the 60 drivers with colds or flu scored on average 11 per cent worse the same effect as a double whisky.
In a separate poll of 4000 people, 22 admitted having had an accident while suffering a bad cold and five with flu.
New Zealand experts agreed being ill could affect driving ability. Automobile Association spokesman Mike Noon said every driver should ensure they were "fit to drive" before setting off.
"You have to drive to the conditions, and that includes your personal circumstances.
"Just as you check your car before going on a long trip, you should make sure you are well-rested, alert and fit to drive."
Accident Compensation Commission spokeswoman Stephanie Julian said it was accepted that driving while fatigued was dangerous.
"There are many causes of fatigue, so it's reasonable to infer that, if you're very sick, your driving may be impaired."
New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Ian Gordon said one of the most common symptom of cold and flu was fatigue, "which we know can have a similar impact on your driving as being moderately drunk".
"Some cold and flu medicines can make you less alert, slowing your reaction times."
By law, motorists had a responsibility to ensure they were capable of driving safely every time they got behind the wheel.
"Our advice to anyone who is considering driving while they are sick is to avoid doing so if they feel tired or have symptoms that may affect their concentration. If taking medication, always read the label to see if the manufacturer recommends not driving."
However, Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan said simply having a cold "would not invalidate your insurance".
By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post | Saturday, 14 February 2009
Driving with a bad cold or flu could be as dangerous as driving after drinking, new research suggests.
One hundred British drivers who were sick with a range of conditions, including colds, flu, stress headaches and premenstrual syndrome, were put through a hazard simulator test, along with 50 unaffected people.
The study found the 60 drivers with colds or flu scored on average 11 per cent worse the same effect as a double whisky.
In a separate poll of 4000 people, 22 admitted having had an accident while suffering a bad cold and five with flu.
New Zealand experts agreed being ill could affect driving ability. Automobile Association spokesman Mike Noon said every driver should ensure they were "fit to drive" before setting off.
"You have to drive to the conditions, and that includes your personal circumstances.
"Just as you check your car before going on a long trip, you should make sure you are well-rested, alert and fit to drive."
Accident Compensation Commission spokeswoman Stephanie Julian said it was accepted that driving while fatigued was dangerous.
"There are many causes of fatigue, so it's reasonable to infer that, if you're very sick, your driving may be impaired."
New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Ian Gordon said one of the most common symptom of cold and flu was fatigue, "which we know can have a similar impact on your driving as being moderately drunk".
"Some cold and flu medicines can make you less alert, slowing your reaction times."
By law, motorists had a responsibility to ensure they were capable of driving safely every time they got behind the wheel.
"Our advice to anyone who is considering driving while they are sick is to avoid doing so if they feel tired or have symptoms that may affect their concentration. If taking medication, always read the label to see if the manufacturer recommends not driving."
However, Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan said simply having a cold "would not invalidate your insurance".
