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Motorists have been warned that driving under the influence of a common illness could result in a hefty fine as they could be “breaking the law” if driving while poorly. January and February see the peak of the cold and flu season and with especially cold, wet weather continuing across the UK, it’s the perfect breeding ground for viruses to spread, with cases on the rise.

Drivers who get behind the wheel whilst ill not only risk being handed a hefty fine and a possible driving ban but also jail time. With this in mind, at have revealed the fines and dangers you could be facing when driving sick and how best to stay safe on the roads this flu season.

Common Dangers of Driving While Ill & Fines You Could Be Facing

Sneezing fits

Any driver will say sneezing behind the wheel is something that's best avoided. There’s a high risk of losing control of the car, impairing your vision – where you could end up travelling around 155ft with your eyes closed – or simply swerving into another lane. Although not an official law, if you are found to be unwell behind the wheel and sneezing is found to be the cause of an accident, drivers can receive a fine of between £100 - £2,500 and three to nine license points depending on the severity of the accident.

Decreased concentration & fatigue

Illness can cause a foggy head, confusion, and fatigue, making it much harder to concentrate on the roads. Although there is not a specific offence when driving whilst tired or ill, you are significantly increasing your chances of committing other offences & causing collisions. If you are convicted of driving whilst fatigued or from distractions related to an illness, you could be facing charges of dangerous driving, an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and up to 14 years in prison.

Medication

Common legal, over-the-counter drugs – such as painkillers – may seem like a safe option to drive on, but these too can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If caught, you can be prosecuted for drug driving offences if your driving is deemed to be impaired, even if the drugs taken are completely legal. If convicted, you could face a minimum one-year ban, up to 6 months in prison and your driving license showing you were convicted of drug-driving for 11 years or even life imprisonment if the accident has caused a death.

Safety Tips For Driving While Ill

Although driving whilst sick is not illegal, it is strongly advised you do not get behind the wheel. However, if you must drive, there are some necessary precautions you can take to minimise any risks.

Be aware of medication side effects

Before getting behind the wheel, make sure you are aware of the side effects of any medications you have taken or are thinking of taking. If any will impair your driving, even slightly, it is advised you avoid driving and find a safe, alternative way to reach your destination. If you are unsure of whether the side effects of your medication will impair your ability to drive safely, contact your for advice.

Assess your condition

Before getting behind the wheel, it’s vital that you assess your condition, and whether you think you will be able to safely drive to your destination. If you feel too unwell or impaired, consider alternative transportation options, such as your , or delay your journey for another day, if possible.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can result in fatigue, and these can both increase the effects of an illness such as a cold or flu. Ensure you are well rested and hydrated before getting in your car, and keep water with you whilst driving. If you feel yourself fighting back fatigue or dehydration, find a safe place to stop to pull over and drink some water. If it continues to impact your ability to drive and you have recovery cover, you can call your should you be taken ill and there are no passengers who can drive the vehicle.

Limit distractions

By minimising the distractions in the vehicle, you are minimising the risk of an accident. This way you can focus solely on the road. Avoid using your mobile phone by putting it on aeroplane mode to stop any notifications from becoming a distraction, turn off any loud music, and wear your glasses if needed.

Driving whilst ill checklist

Ensuring you are fit and well enough to drive safely is vital for keeping yourself and others safe on the roads. By following this expert-approved list, you can avoid any expensive fines or accidents from occurring during the height of flu season, and ensure you and others on the road stay as safe as possible this winter. If your illness or symptoms affect your driving and are something more long-lasting than just a passing illness, you must inform both the DVLA and your insurer. If you fail to do this, it could result in up to a £1,000 fine.