• B30 Bio-diesel warning
• GETTING TO THE POINTS
• Pre-Budget Report Comment
• BUMPER CARS
• I LIKE DRIVING IN MY CAR… (ON MY OWN)
• HARD DAYS LIGHT
• ANIMAL TRAGIC
• FUEL’S GOLD
• SEEING ‘RED’ OVER HIGH FUEL COSTS
• DRIVING “CONDITIONS”
• MANY HAPPY RETURNS?
• KICKING THE CO2 HABIT
• ‘GREEN’ FINGERS
• FROM AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TO GROUND TRAFFIC CONTROL
• CULTURE SHOCK

• DON’T DRIVE DROWSY

• ‘FOLLOW THAT STAR!’
• PULLING POWER
• The Darling Budget of March - 08
• Courtesy Cars - March 08
• Green Survey - Feb 08
• New congestion charge angers industry - Feb 08
• Midlands Excellence Award win - Jan 2008

DON’T DRIVE DROWSY

Masterlease is warning drivers that many antihistamines, used for helping relieve the characteristic signs of hay fever such as a streaming or stuffy nose and itchy eyes, can cause drowsiness and are likely to have a considerable effect on people’s ability to drive.  Despite being often bought over the counter and without consultation. 

Approximately 13 million Brits suffer from hay fever and experts are predicting that the warm wet weather expected this summer is likely to cause pollen levels to soar.

Gavin Jones, accident and rental service manager at Masterlease, warns company car drivers to be aware of the legal implications of sleep-related accidents and offers some safety advice: “The effects of driving whilst tired can be catastrophic and there is clear evidence that the use of these drugs may increase the risk of a road accident, turning an everyday hay fever remedy into a potentially dangerous substance.

“Drivers should always be careful when taking any form of medication. Hay fever sufferers who regularly drive should take care to only use medication that is non-drowsy, always read the leaflet and avoid medication which says ‘may cause drowsiness’.  Company car drivers can also ask about pollen filters for their car, which act as a barrier to prevent pollen getting through the air conditioning and air vents.

“Most importantly if drivers begin to feel tired they must take a break or, if they can, get someone else to drive.  Don’t take unnecessary risks that could be fatal.”

Ends