Sometimes we need to get things done even when we’re sick, and this might involve driving.
But if you’re ill, you need to take extra care on the road to keep both yourself and other drivers safe.
We share some tips on how to drive safely while sick, and when you shouldn’t drive at all.
Can I drive while sick?
It isn’t illegal to drive while sick. People get colds, flus and other common illnesses every day and often carry on with their lives as usual.
This means it’s not uncommon for people to drive with a cold or the flu.
It only becomes dangerous when your symptoms affect your ability to drive properly and react to situations on the road.
Am I too sick to drive?
There are a few situations when you shouldn’t drive while sick, including when you’re:
- dizzy or nauseous
- coughing and sneezing very frequently
- sensitive to light
- extremely tired
- unable to see as well as usual
- prone to sickness or diarrhoea
- in a lot of pain (e.g. you have a migraine)
If you’re dealing with an injury (like a sprained wrist or bone fracture), you should ask your GP if it’s safe to drive before getting behind the wheel.
How to drive safely while sick
If you’ve decided it’s safe enough to drive while sick, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.
Avoid motorways
If you can, it’s safer to stay on quieter roads with lower speed limits.
Avoid long journeys if you can – try to stick to short and necessary routes.
Take regular breaks
If you do need to make a longer journey, make sure you stop off regularly to hydrate and take medication if you need to.
Make sure your medication is a non-drowsy type.
Get some rest
Make sure you’ve had enough rest before you leave.
It’s extremely dangerous to be sleepy or nod off behind the wheel and can cause serious accidents.
If you do feel yourself getting overtired while driving, you need to pull over when it’s safe to do so and have a rest.
Don’t start driving again until you feel more awake.
Avoid heavy medication
Don’t take any drowsy or strong medication (like drowsy antihistamines or high-dose painkillers) before your journey.
Getting behind the wheel while drowsy or sleepy is very dangerous.
Stay hydrated
Take water or another hydrating drink with you for your trip.
This will help replenish your energy and keep you on top form. You could also consider bringing some snacks – fruit is a good option for when you’re ill.
Keep tissues close by
One of the most common symptoms of a cold or flu is a runny or bunged-up nose.
Make sure you have some tissues in grabbing distance, so you don’t have to get distracted trying to search for a tissue.
Limit distractions
Ideally you should keep the radio or music off to limit any distractions.
If you don’t want it off completely, consider keeping it on a low volume instead.
Can I drive with a long-term health condition?
Some long-term health conditions and medications make driving difficult or even illegal.
You should tell the DVLA if you have a long-term health condition, such as:
- epilepsy
- strokes
- glaucoma
- diabetes
- syncope
- heart conditions
The DVLA’s health condition checker tool lets you check if your condition needs to be reported with its online service.
You can learn more about health and driving in our guide.
