During the fall months, many parts of the country experience cooler temperatures and various transitions occur, such as kids going back to school. However, the fall and winter months can be very difficult when it comes to the flu and other contagious illnesses (including the common cold). Being sick can disrupt someone’s life in a lot of different ways, but it can also lead to other problems that may be far more serious—such as a motor vehicle collision. In this post, we will look at the different ways that the flu can cause a driver to crash.
In and of itself, the flu can affect driving abilities in many ways. Those who fall ill with influenza may have terrible symptoms that significantly impair their ability to drive safely. Headaches, runny noses, fevers and many other symptoms associated with various illnesses can make life unbearable and prevent drivers from behaving appropriately on the road.
However, there are many other reasons why the flu can affect driving performance. Many people take medication when they have the flu, and sometimes these drugs (even those which are sold over the counter) can cause drowsiness and lead to a wreck. Furthermore, those who are struggling with the flu or another serious illness may not be able to sleep very well at night, which can also lead to drowsy driving.
If you come down with the flu during the next several months, it may be smart to stay off of the roads until you feel better. Unfortunately, some people will push themselves even though they are too sick to drive, which could lead to a traffic crash.