Seasonal Allergy Symptoms (Watery Eyes, Sneezing, Fatigue) May Impair Driving Ability as Much as Drinking

Allergy symptoms' effect on driving was comparable to having a blood-alcohol concentration nearing impaired levels, according a study published in July 2014 edition of Annals of Allergy and Immunology. Unfortunately, allergy medications weren't wholly effective at reducing the symptoms' effects.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, has been linked to car accidents in previous studies.

Impairment scores of patients with allergic rhinitis were comparable to driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.03%, just under the legal limit of 0.05% in most countries The U.S. limit is 0.08%.) Both the antihistamine and nasal spray reduced scores to nonsignificant levels.

Here is what to do treat allergic rhinitis:



Treatment Options for 
Allergic Rhinitis (AR) and 
Non-Allergic Rhinitis (NAR) in 6 Steps (click to enlarge the image).

References:

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms (Watery Eyes, Sneezing, Fatigue) Impair Driving Ability - WSJ http://buff.ly/1tAtaHg
Fatal consequence of allergic rhinitis - case report
Certain Meds, Driving Can Be Deadly Mix - FDA: nonprescription antihistamines, anti-diarrheals, anti-nausea meds http://buff.ly/1t1Wq9X
Image source: OpenClipArt.org, public domain.