Derbyshire Drivers warned about hay fever medication

The Derbyshire Road Safety partnership say hay fever sufferers should be careful this summer.

They are warning many medicines can bring on drowsiness and make people unfit to get behind the wheel.

Partnership chairman Mike Ashworth said: "Drivers who suffer from hay fever face a difficult situation.  The symptoms of their condition can affect their ability to drive safely but so can some of the medicines they may take to control them."

Mike added: "Many people don't even realise the effect that prescription or over-the-counter medication can affect their ability to drive safely.  As a result some hay fever sufferers may be putting lives at risk without realising it.

"Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you whether you're safe to drive after taking your medicine.  They may even be able to suggest altenative medication that you can take safely if you need to drive."

It is an offence to drive or attempt to drive while unfit through drugs - and the law does not distinguish between illegal and medicines.