New study finds hay fever is putting drivers at risk

Consumer Editor

3 minute read|5th Jun 2026

As a new hay fever season hits Brits across the country, a new study has highlighted how seasonal allergies can impact your ability to drive.

A new survey from Volvo of 2,000 drivers affected by hay fever found that 79% say hay fever have affected their ability to drive safely, with a third claiming June to be the worst month for symptoms.

The survey also revealed that 5% of drivers have experienced a near miss caused or worsened by hay fever symptoms.

Also, 13% of drivers admitted to taking both hands off the steering wheel when having a sneezing fit.

Another 13% of those surveyed revealed that they have continued to drive despite severe symptoms. Interestingly, this number rose to 19% for 25–34-year-old drivers.

Looking further into the data surrounding younger drivers, they are more susceptible to the impact of hay fever when driving.

According to Volvo’s survey, drivers aged 25–44 are around five times more likely than over-65s to report hay fever-related near misses.

Furthermore, more than a quarter of drivers surveyed say symptoms frequently affect their ability to drive.

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Londoners reported the highest rates in the UK when asked if their symptoms affect their ability to drive safely, with 21% saying their driving was impacted often or all the time.

Over 30% of drivers living in London also said they had avoided driving or changed their travel plans due to their symptoms.

Welsh drivers were almost as likely to be affected, with 21% also saying their driving was impacted often or all the time, while in the North East one in five (20%) admitted to continuing to drive despite severe symptoms, the highest of any UK region.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever can cause a range of symptoms that affect the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses – which can severely impact a person’s ability to drive.

Here are the common symptoms:

Frequent sneezing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy nose, throat, or ears
Red, watery, or itchy eyes
Coughing
Headache
Sinus pressure

Can I drive if I take hay fever medication?

Before you get behind the wheel of your car, make sure you read the leaflet that comes with the medication and/or speak with a medical professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, if you are unsure what impact it’ll have on your ability to drive.

Do not drive a vehicle if you feel drowsy or unwell after taking any form of medication. And speak to a pharmacist or your GP before taking any hay fever medication if you're already taking other medicines.

According to NHS guidance on antihistamines there are non‑drowsy antihistamines, such as acrivastine, cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine.

The NHS says some antihistamines can make you feel sleepy – such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine and promethazine.

The Volvo survey found that 18% of drivers say they have felt sleepy or less alert after taking hay fever treatments, raising concerns about reduced concentration at the wheel during the highest pollen months.

Also, younger drivers are again more affected than older motorists, with 34% of 25–34-year-olds saying they have felt less alert after taking medication for hay fever compared to just 7% for those drivers over the age of 65.

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