HAY Fever is affecting car drivers in Warrington – with 26 per cent of local drivers saying they have delayed journeys, changed routes or stayed off the road altogether.
This is according to research commissioned by Volvo which also claimed 92 per cent of drivers admitted symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, fatigue or reduced concentration had affected their control of their vehicle.
As a result, Volvo Cars Warrington, on Winwick Road, have offered advice on how to stay safe during the hay fever season.
Andy Amery, from the dealer said: “With so many drivers experiencing hay fever symptoms while on the road, it’s important that motorists recognise the impact this can have on their concentration and comfort behind the wheel.
“Even small preventative measures can help make journeys safer and more enjoyable, helping local drivers feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.”
“Before making any journey, always check the pollen forecast, and where possible, plan longer journeys for times when pollen counts are lower, such as after rainfall or later in the evening. If a journey can be altered to avoid rural areas, this will limit contact with high-pollen zones and make driving conditions much more comfortable.
“It is also important to keep any medication, tissues and sunglasses within easy reach before driving, while ensuring antihistamines are non-drowsy and suitable for use before getting behind the wheel.
“It may seem obvious, but closing windows is one of the simplest ways to reduce pollen exposure. Instead, use your car’s air conditioning to make sure you and any passengers you’re travelling with stay cool. If you don’t already have them installed, you may want to think about fitting effective pollen filters in your car. These work to remove pollen particles from the outside air before they pass through the air vents into the vehicle itself.
“At Volvo Cars Warrington, our award-winning range of new vehicles feature advanced air purification technology designed to help create a cleaner and more comfortable driving environment. Available on selected models, the Advanced Air Cleaner system can remove up to 99.9 per cent of grass, tree and weed pollen allergens from incoming air.
“Keeping your car clean is a simple and effective way to reduce pollen within the cabin. Regularly vacuuming seats, mats and surfaces can help remove unwanted pollen that builds up over time. It also helps to frequently wipe down your dashboard to get rid of any dust that may have settled.
“For more advice on driving with hay fever, or if you’re considering a new vehicle that benefits from air purification technology, visit us before June 10, at our new car event. Prospective buyers in Warrington can speak with our expert team and take advantage of attractive offers on award winning models.”
For more information about driving with hay fever and the retailer’s new car sales event, contact Volvo Cars Warrington on 01925 635552 or visit volvocars.com/Warrington.
