Driving While Being Sick With The Flu Is Like Driving Drunk

Have you ever got behind the wheel of a car while you were sick with the flu? You might have thought "I'm ok to drive", but it appears that may be far from the truth. 

According to a new study by the London-based insurance company Young Marmalade, they found that driving with a cold or flu is like driving drunk. Not just buzzed, but drunk feeling like taking 4 different shots of whiskey.

Researchers studied sick drivers and found out the following: drivers experienced slower reaction times, more frequent sudden braking, and decreased awareness of surrounding traffic.

Researchers used a black box to record driver times and reactions. They say a driver, who is 95% accurate when healthy falls to 65% when ill."

They also warn that over the counter medications used to help fight these colds can cause you to be extremely drowsy behind the wheel.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has warned that drivers are putting lives at risk by driving with cold and flu symptoms.

If you’ve got a heavy cold or are suffering from flu, your concentration could drop by more than 50%, says the driving organisation, which could increase your reaction times.

“Drivers can travel up to 50ft with their eyes closed during a sneeze, meaning they can either temporarily lose control of their car or be involved in a serious accident; where you not only risk your own life but the lives of other road users."

Next time maybe have a designated driver when you are sick.