Driver warning as NI hay fever season extends by 20 days 

Motorists who take medication for hay fever are being warned they are now more at risk and could end up on the wrong side of the law as research shows the Northern Irish hay fever season is 20 days longer on average.  

With the weed and grass pollen season now in full swing in Northern Ireland,* many people are already experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, itchy throats, and watery eyes – which can cause drivers to lose focus behind the wheel.  

Research covering the period 1994-2024 shows that Northern Ireland has seen an average 20 day increase in the pollen season, with experts predicting this could rise further in the coming years.**  The changes are thought to be brought about by climate change, meaning sufferers need to be prepared earlier for symptoms and know how best to manage them out on the road.

Driving when the pollen count is at its highest can have serious consequences for hay fever sufferers. If an accident occurs, drivers could face a charge of driving without due care and attention, which carries a fine of up to £2,500 and three to nine penalty points.***

Car insurance experts at CompareNI are reminding drivers that taking certain hay fever medication can also put them at risk of a hefty fine and even prison time.

It is illegal in Northern Ireland to drive whilst unfit through drugs, and the law does not distinguish between illegal drugs and over the counter medications. This means that antihistamines, commonly taken to relieve hay fever, could result in charges, as they can cause drowsiness, slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and blurred vision.

A drug-driving conviction carries severe penalties, including a minimum one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. Additionally, the offence remains on a driver’s licence for 11 years.

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.

Tree pollen is a major problem for hay fever sufferers in Belfast. Higher pollen counts exist in some of the city’s park areas, and June and July are the main period for weed pollen activity in Belfast.**** Coastal areas in Northern Ireland, especially the North Coast, have lower pollen counts due to winds coming in from the west.

Managing Director and car insurance expert Ian Wilson from CompareNI.com comments: “It’s worrying that hay fever sufferers in Northern Ireland are now exposed to an additional 20 days a year where hay fever could be causing issues on the road.  The impact, thought to be brought about by climate change, makes managing the symptoms all the more important.

“If drivers know when their hay fever symptoms normally begin, it’s sensible to start carrying the antihistamines with them some weeks before, so they don’t get caught unawares – they can even start taking the medication two-four weeks before the symptoms normally arrive, helping it to become more effective before peak season.***** 

“Hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes can impair the ability to drive, so it is important to understand that getting behind the wheel when the pollen count is high can put drivers and other road users in danger.

“Be aware that some medications for hay fever can leave people feeling drowsy, which further increases the risk while driving and could also land them in trouble with the law.

“That is why we are urging motorists who suffer from summer allergies to keep an eye on the weather and check the details of their medication for potential side effects and if in doubt, speak to a pharmacist.”

Top tips to help keep hay fever symptoms at bay while driving:

• Close your windows and have sunglasses in your car to protect your eyes from pollen

• Change the air filter used to trap the pollen in your vehicle regularly 

• Make sure you have sufficient tissues and medication in your car in case symptoms arise

• Always have some water with you for reducing the effects and for taking medication on your journey

• Have a cloth or wipes handy so you can cleanse your vehicle inside and keep the pollen count as low as possible

• Get a location-based pollen forecast with the help of a pollen warning app.

CompareNI.com is Northern Ireland’s largest price comparison website and can help drivers in Northern Ireland find savings on essentials and everyday household bills such as breakdown cover, young driver and van insurance.  

References:

*https://www.hygeia.ie/blog-2/gardening-amp-house-plants-what-to-do-when-you-have-hay-fever

**https://roundourway.org/latest/climate-change-is-making-hay-fever-a-year-round-problem-for-sufferers 

***https://www.easternwestern.co.uk/honda/news/driving-with-a-cold-could-see-you-receive-a-pound2500-fine/#:~:text=Sneezing%20actually%20causes%20your%20eyes,without%20due%20care%20and%20attention 

****https://www.kleenex.co.uk/pollen-count/belfast

*https://livingwellpartnership.nhs.uk/news/hayfever/#:~:text=Start%20taking%20medication%202-4,keeping%20your%20disease%20under%20control.