We all know that driving after a few too many is a really, really bad idea. But how many wait to get in the driver's seat when they are suffering from a cold or flu? A new study suggests that people who drive while they are sick are just as impaired as individuals who drive affected by alcohol or narcotics.
Check your response time
Automotive retailer Halfords, the University of Cardiff and U.K.-based car insurance business Young Marmalade worked together to do the study. They found that drivers who have colds drive just like drunk drivers. They stop more frequently, have a hard time concentrating and have reduced reaction times. This data was learned by putting black boxes in vehicles and recording info such as braking, cornering and speed.
Nigel Lacy, director of marketing for Young Marmalade, said in an announcement:
"This small-scale trial provides a warning for motorists. A heavy cold can impair a driver's mood, concentration and judgment."
Compared to alcohol
The driving skills of cold sufferers are reduced by as much as 50 percent, estimated the report. The study likened the effects of driving with a cold to driving after downing four double shots of whiskey.
Not the end of data
However, the report's lack of complete data has left some skeptical about its conclusions. Young Marmalade has not produced the complete study, regardless of a request to do so by ABC News.
Jaimie Dalessio, of "Everyday Health," referring to the four double whiskeys estimate said, "We are not sure how they measured those shots, but that sounds like a lot."
Dr. Christopher Ohl, associate professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, told ABC that he believed "the vast majority" of people driving sick are not as impaired as those affected by alcohol or narcotics.
A cautionary tale
As reported by Ohl:
"Everyone knows that when they have a fever and flu symptoms they are not at their best physically or mentally. Those with illness with high fever should be staying home for a lot of reasons including getting needed rest and protecting others from illness. Perhaps we should add safe driving to that list."
According to ABC News, there are many individuals who will still drive with flus and colds. At any given time, there are 1 million drivers with colds and flus on the highway.
Check your response time
Automotive retailer Halfords, the University of Cardiff and U.K.-based car insurance business Young Marmalade worked together to do the study. They found that drivers who have colds drive just like drunk drivers. They stop more frequently, have a hard time concentrating and have reduced reaction times. This data was learned by putting black boxes in vehicles and recording info such as braking, cornering and speed.
Nigel Lacy, director of marketing for Young Marmalade, said in an announcement:
"This small-scale trial provides a warning for motorists. A heavy cold can impair a driver's mood, concentration and judgment."
Compared to alcohol
The driving skills of cold sufferers are reduced by as much as 50 percent, estimated the report. The study likened the effects of driving with a cold to driving after downing four double shots of whiskey.
Not the end of data
However, the report's lack of complete data has left some skeptical about its conclusions. Young Marmalade has not produced the complete study, regardless of a request to do so by ABC News.
Jaimie Dalessio, of "Everyday Health," referring to the four double whiskeys estimate said, "We are not sure how they measured those shots, but that sounds like a lot."
Dr. Christopher Ohl, associate professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, told ABC that he believed "the vast majority" of people driving sick are not as impaired as those affected by alcohol or narcotics.
A cautionary tale
As reported by Ohl:
"Everyone knows that when they have a fever and flu symptoms they are not at their best physically or mentally. Those with illness with high fever should be staying home for a lot of reasons including getting needed rest and protecting others from illness. Perhaps we should add safe driving to that list."
According to ABC News, there are many individuals who will still drive with flus and colds. At any given time, there are 1 million drivers with colds and flus on the highway.
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