Winter is associated with many joyful activities – the holidays, skiing, sledding, skating, and cozy afternoons by the fire. One of the less enjoyable aspects of winter is the flu and cold season. What happens if you get sick – are you at risk for a car accident? With so much going on, can you afford not to drive? Before you get behind the wheel while sick, you may want to consider the following points:
- Cold medicines and prescription drugs can affect your driving: Many antihistamines cause drowsiness and have warnings about driving while using them.
- Illness can slow your reaction times: Studies show that drivers who are sick have reduced reaction times and trouble concentrating, so much so that their driving skills are at about 50 percent of normal.
- Illness is a distraction from driving: Your cold could qualify as distracted driving if you need to take one hand off the wheel to blow your nose or if your eyes are watering. Sneezing takes about three seconds during which time you may miss a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk or a signal changing color.
Avoid Driving if You Have One of These Illnesses
If you drive while sick and cause an accident, someone could accuse you of negligence if you had one of these common illnesses:
- Bronchitis, whooping cough, COVID-19, or other respiratory illnesses: Heavy coughing could lead to an accident.
- Ear infections: These can impair your hearing and ability to judge traffic situations.
- Eye infections: These can impair your ability to see clearly while driving.
- Flu: Anyone with severe flu symptoms such as fever and muscle aches should not be driving.
- Migraines: Migraine symptoms vary widely but can be debilitating and affect vision.
- Stomach bugs: No one should be behind the wheel while nauseous or vomiting.
Do not risk driving while sick. Instead, ask a friend or family member to help and drive you to the doctor. You can get groceries and medicines delivered from the store or pharmacy if you need supplies. Stay home and rest until you recover rather than risk an accident.
Towson Car Accident Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Advocate for Injured Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a sick driver, we can help. Our Towson car accident lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC can investigate the circumstances of the accident. Call 443-589-0150 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
