A new study finds that driving in Houston when you have a severe cold could increase your accident risks just as much as if you had been driving after having had a few drinks.

The study was based on a small sample, and was conducted by UK researchers.  The researchers measured a person’s driving skills after he had had 4 double whiskeys, and found that the impact on driving abilities was similar to the impact on a person driving under the influence.

The symptoms of a cold can impact a person’s reaction times and judgment, and also affect his concentration.  Besides, a person who sneezes violently while driving can have his vision blurred when his eyes start watering, or he may lose concentration on the road because his eyes shut down for a couple of  seconds.

Also, there are additional accident risks when the person has taken cold medication to treat his symptoms.  Most cold medications contain diphenhydramine which induces feelings of drowsiness.  Everybody knows that they should never drive after taking a cough and cold medication, but it is still surprising to a Houston car accident lawyer to see the number of people who drive after taking these medications.

The researchers are concerned enough to recommend that persons suffering from a cold refrain from driving at all.  In fact, police are recommending that persons in the UK who drive with a cold actually be prosecuted for this.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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