The crash risk for drivers with allergies is 30 percent higher in Spain

Experts explain the dangers of driving while allergic and how you can stay safe this summer.

We’ve all been there – a sunny drive, windows down, the sweet scent of summer wafting in… and then SNEEZE! You suddenly find yourself tearing down the motorway as your eyes water like Love Island contestants on elimination night.

What’s this? snotty truth: Spain’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has issued a stark warning – drivers with allergies are up to 30% more likely to crash than those without, due to the wild combo of sneezes, sniffles, and streaming eyes.

You’re sneezing while driving at 100km/hr? You’re Blind for 140 metres

According to Spain’s Allergy Society (Sociedad Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica), pollen levels don’t pack up after spring – they can linger long into summer, especially when there’s no rain to wash them away. Add a little city pollution to the mix and you have a recipe for an allergy attack.

The danger is when you’re behind the wheel.

The DGT says that just one sneeze – especially if it comes in a five-second flurry – can leave you effectively driving blind for the length of a football pitch and a half if you’re doing 100km/h. It’s equivalent to 140 metres if you keep your eyes shut. On a road without traffic, it might be fine. But on busy roads, it can cause major accidents.. More Russian roulette Then, The road to success begins with you. trip.

Eyes itchy, nose twitchy – it’s not just hay

Itchy eyes, blocked nasal passages, scratchy necks and laboured breath are all common symptoms. All lovely stuff when you’re curled up on the sofa – but lethal when you’re merging onto a Spanish motorway.

Not to mention the skin eruptions that could make you want to scratch. It’s not ideal.

Drowsy drugs – not all antihistamines equal

Hold up before you grab the allergy medication.

DGT warns that not all antihistamines can be used by drivers. Some antihistamines can cause serious drowsiness. If you fall asleep behind the wheel, your game is over.

Their advice? Never self-medicate. Ask your GP to prescribe the non-drowsy version. The safe list contains medicines that include with:

• Ebastine
• Bilastine
• Desloratadine
• Loratadine
• Terfenadine

You won’t be thrown out of your seat like a budget airline overbooked seat.

Tips for driving without a sneeze in Spain

How to keep safe while your body is throwing a temper tantrum. DGTThe No-nonsense Allergy Survival Guide

• Tell your pharmacist or doctor that you drive They can then prescribe the appropriate stuff
• Self-diagnosis or self-medicating is not recommended – it’s not worth the risk
• Keep your windows closed – sorry, fresh air fans
• Use the air con – with top-quality pollen filters
• Vacuum your car regularlyYou’ll want to know if your passengers have been furry.

Treat your car as a mobile allergy free zone if you are prone to allergies. No pollen, no pets, no problem.

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