Monday, January 9, 2012
Colds can cause crashes
A recent study undertaken by a young driver car insurance company in partnership with Halfords, and backed by research from Cardiff University’s Common Cold Unit, has revealed that having a cold may be more dangerous than previously thought.
By using telematics technology to monitor driving behaviour in motorists suffering from the sniffles, it was found that driving skills reduced by more than 50%.
Reportedly, that’s the same as having four double whiskies!
As well as having reduced reaction times, and as a result having to brake sharply much more often, the drivers tested were less aware of the road around them and cornered poorly, making them 33% more likely to hit a kerb.
The co-founder of the insurance firm stated, “This small-scale trial provides a warning for motorists. A heavy cold can impair a driver's mood, concentration and judgement.”
Well, that’s a good reason to ask to be chauffeured everywhere when you’re feeling poorly, isn’t it!
Photo © William Brawley via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: brake, Cardiff University, cold, Common Cold Unit, driving, Halfords, kerb, reaction times, telematics technology, young driver car insurance
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posted by Fuse @ 1:02 AM 
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