Hayfever? Some Advice for Drivers from IAM RoadSmart

A runny nose, headache and constant sneezing – these are just a few of the symptoms hay fever sufferers deal with during the summer. These symptoms can affect motorists in a number of ways.

Here’s some advice from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, about what you can do to better cope with it before taking to the road.

• Try to minimise the effects by ensuring your car is clean and dust free and that you operate the air conditioning or ventilation to your advantage, making use of air recirculation where possible.

• For anyone who hasn’t been diagnosed with hay fever and is feeling under the weather, avoid driving or riding and arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. What you might think is just a slight cold can become a major distraction – so get it checked before it gets worse.

• While over-the-counter medicines will help with a runny nose and sneezing symptoms, a lot of these tend to contain codeine, which can blur vision and make you feel drowsy – check with your GP what the best course of action is.

• Your GP may advise you to take anti-histamines to control the symptoms, but make sure you take the non-drowsy ones. If you’re unsure, read the leaflet or speak to your pharmacy for more advice.

• If you need to get somewhere but don’t feel well enough to drive or ride, then see if someone you know can take you and drop you back. Whatever you do don’t take yourself - you may just end up sneezing and travelling up to 50ft with your eyes closed and losing control of your vehicle!


Richard said: “If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug driving regulations.

“Be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery so you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.” 




For more information, please check the link on the GOV website.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank IAM Roadsmart for this useful information.
Visit IAM Roadsmart website for more advice.

Musty smell from your Air Conditioning?

The warm weather has finally started to make an entrance and this has had many of us turning on the car’s air conditioning unit for the first time this season. Have you noticed a musty smell or worry that it might not be blowing clean air into the cabin of your vehicle?

The Good Garage Scheme, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, recommends that air conditioning systems are checked, especially if they have been inactive over the winter. It has been proven that harmful mould and bacteria can grow in the ducts while the system remains unused over many months. Drivers can be blissfully unaware of the dangers it can pose when switched back on.

Breathe easy with the Good Garage Scheme 

There is good news for motorists looking for a garage to check their car’s air conditioning. Simply visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage and ask them to sterilise and deodorise your car’s air conditioner. It is a simple way to ensure you and your passengers are breathing healthy air.

Now widely accepted as a mark of quality for independent garages across the UK, Good Garage Scheme member garages are recognised as providing exceptional service to their customers based on a rigorously monitored mandatory Code of Conduct.

Find your nearest member garage using the easy-to-use search facility on the Good Garage Scheme website www.GoodGarageScheme.com.

The Good Garage Scheme – it’s like having a friend in the know.