Hay fever leads 1 in 3 drivers to close eyes at wheel

By Jennifer Collins 29/05/2026 2 min read 78 views

Hay fever is causing more than discomfort for drivers in the UK. A survey of 2,000 motorists with allergies found that 79 percent reported symptoms affecting their ability to drive safely. One-third said they closed their eyes at the wheel, and 13 percent admitted to losing both hands on the steering wheel during a sneezing fit. These numbers highlight a growing safety concern as pollen season peaks.

Volvo’s research revealed 4.9 percent of drivers experienced near misses linked to hay fever. Scaling up, that could mean 535,000 drivers nationwide face similar risks. Younger drivers aged 25–44 were especially vulnerable, with 9.4 percent reporting near misses. That rate is five times higher than for those over 65, who saw 1.8 percent of respondents admit the same.

Medication side effects added another layer. Nearly one in five drivers (18 percent) said antihistamines made them drowsy or less alert. June was the worst month for symptoms, affecting 29 percent of respondents, followed by May (22 percent) and July (19 percent). These seasonal trends align with typical pollen cycles across the UK.

Despite the risks, 13 percent of drivers said they continued driving during severe symptoms. That figure dropped slightly among those aged 25–34, to 9 percent. Volvo’s findings suggest many underestimate how allergies can impair judgment behind the wheel. One in three drivers said symptoms forced them to close their eyes while driving, creating obvious dangers.

The company’s latest models aim to help. The EX90, ES90, and upcoming EX60 feature three- or four-zone climate control with air purification filters. These systems remove 99.9 percent of grass, tree, and pollen allergens from cabin air. Nicole Melillo Shaw, MD of Volvo Car UK, noted that drivers often overlook safety risks linked to hay fever.

“Managing symptoms before driving is critical,” Shaw said. “Our vehicles offer filtration systems that reduce allergen exposure, but drivers must also take steps to keep their cabins comfortable.” The survey underscores a gap between perceived inconvenience and real-world dangers on the road.

Some drivers still choose to operate vehicles during severe symptoms. Whether due to habit or lack of alternatives, this behavior raises questions about awareness of the risks. Volvo’s data suggests that even minor distractions from allergies can lead to dangerous situations, especially during peak pollen months.

The findings come as UK councils prepare to expand EV charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, other automotive news includes a search for the smallest F1 team principal and updates on motoring events. But for now, the focus remains on how hay fever is reshaping road safety conversations.