Flu accounts for 10% of traffic accidents

[amg]

Motorists with colds and the flu caused more than 125,000 crashes in the UK last year, claims a new study commissioned by Lloyds TSB Insurance.

The study proves that driving with a cold or flu impairs driver awareness by as much as 11% – the equivalent of downing a double whisky before getting behind the wheel.

The experiment put drivers with a variety of medical conditions through a hazard simulator test. Those suffering from colds and flu had the worst reaction times and alertness compared with a healthy driver.

According to Lloyds TSB, one in 10 road accidents in 2008 can be attributed to driver flu – which landed the UK with a £350 million (US$500 million) bill.

Lloyds TSB claims public awareness of the problem is low, with 12 million (38%) admitting that they have driven while suffering from cold or flu – with half of these drivers (46%) believing that the illness has no affect at all on their driving ability.

Now, the company is warning drivers of the dangers of being unwell at the wheel, particularly when combined with medication, fatigue or a small amount of alcohol, which all have a considerable impact on driving ability.

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