'Carelessly' sneezing while driving could leave you with a big bill

Car insurance experts are warning drivers that they could face points on their licences and hefty fines if they get behind the wheel with a heavy cold.

Mirror Switch and Save has partnered with Quotezone.co.uk, whose experts have highlighted how cold and flu symptoms, along with the side effects of medication and sneezing, can pose serious risks to road safety.

According to Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre, drivers suffering from a cold have slower reaction times than those who have consumed four pints of beer.

To make matters worse, symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, fatigue, and headaches can reduce concentration, delay reactions, and impair driving ability, all of which increase the risk of an accident. During 'cold season', even something as simple as a sneeze could land drivers in trouble.

Sneezing multiple times in quick succession — known as “the triple sneeze” — can leave a driver’s eyes closed for up to three seconds or more, dramatically raising the likelihood of a crash. Even looking away from the road for just two seconds while driving at 30 mph means missing around 100 feet of road.

As surprising as it may seem, anyone who drives knowing they have a heavy cold could be charged with careless driving — an offence that carries penalties ranging from 3–9 points and an unlimited fine to possible disqualification, depending on the circumstances.

Many drivers are also unaware that some over-the-counter cold and flu medicines fall under drug-driving laws due to their side effects, which can include drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Under UK law, it’s illegal to drive while unfit due to the effects of any drug — legal or illegal — including many common cold and flu treatments.

Luckily you can compare car insurance policies today to help find savings, or arrange specialist car insurance if needed.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “You might not realise that simply having a cold could affect your ability to drive safely. If you’re unwell, it’s important to make sure you’re fit to drive and to check that any medication you are taking does not cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects like blurred vision or slowed reaction times.

“Even if you feel pressured by a hectic schedule, driving in an impaired state is serious and can result in life-changing penalties.

“Some individuals may be accustomed to taking medication and have driven with a cold before without issues, but if you feel unwell or your medication carries a warning not to operate heavy machinery, and you are stopped by the police or involved in an incident, you may still be charged and your insurance could be declared invalid. The safest option is to avoid driving, rest up, and not take the risk.”

Switching your insurance provider could also help you save up to to £518 on your car insurance*. Mirror Switch and Save has partnered with Quotezone.co.uk, to help you compare a wide range of quotes for the insurance you need, from trusted UK insurance providers.

Find out how much you could save and compare car insurance policies today

*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.

Reach Publishing Services Ltd. is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd. who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN: 313860. Seopa Ltd. own and operate the insurance comparison service. Mirror Switch & Save earns a commission for each policy purchased, at no cost to you. We do not provide financial advic