Guide How to protect drivers from pollen

How allergy sufferers in the car protect against pollens

05/04/2015

Motorists who suffer from pollen allergy and hay fever can endanger themselves and others in traffic. Experts warn that allergy sufferers are distracted by the typical symptoms of driving. Some tips can help protect you from pollens.

Hay fever symptoms can distract you from driving
According to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), around 16 percent of the population throughout Germany have hay fever. If the pollen of trees, shrubs, grasses, cereals and herbs touch the mucous membranes of those affected, allergic reactions are triggered. Many pollen allergy sufferers underestimate the risks to road traffic. As the „Frankfurter Rundschau“ (FR) reports, the German Car and Travel Club (ARCD) warns that the typical symptoms of hay fever can distract from driving and can affect concentration and thus road safety in traffic.

Hay fever can be life threatening
For example, drivers may lose control of sudden sneezing attacks, or they may be in the car for some time „blind flying“ on road. „If a driver sneezes at a speed of 80, he drives around 25 meters with his eyes closed“, Heike Behrbohm of the German skin and allergy help was to consider. Since hay fever can be life-threatening in such situations, affected motorists should prepare well for the pollen season. It should be noted that some medications for hay fever can have a negative impact on driving, for example due to increased fatigue, reduced concentration or slowed down motor skills and reaction. As with all medications, it is important to inform yourself about side effects and interactions.

Keep pollen out of the vehicle interior
To keep the complaints while driving as low as possible, jackets should be pulled out and stowed in the trunk, so that the pollen hanging there not land in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the ARCD advises to keep windows and sunroof closed and switch the ventilation to recirculation mode. Furthermore, the car should not be parked under trees if possible. The regular vacuuming of the vehicle interior, including the upholstery, dashboard and shelves, can also help. It is recommended to wear sunglasses while driving to protect against flying pollen.

Replace the interior filter regularly
In addition, the interior filter, which is usually fitted as standard in newer vehicle models, filters out pollen, dust and dirt from the air before they reach the interior. It should be noted that these filters must be replaced regularly. Older vehicles can be retrofitted. „There are basically two types of pollen filters“, explained Christian Pflughaupt, head of the automotive industry in Rhineland-Palatinate. „Some consist only of one pulp layer, the other and much more effective variety has an additional activated carbon layer.“ The activated carbon filters are a bit more expensive, but should be the first choice for allergy sufferers. „Highly effective filters absorb even the smallest pollen such as mulberry pollen“, Behrbohm said. „A pollen filter builds up over time, so it should be checked once a year in a workshop for its functionality and renewed if necessary.“

During pollen main season as far as possible without driving a car
It would of course be best for traffic safety if allergy sufferers abstain from driving as much as possible during the main pollen season. Those affected will be advised to travel to low-pollen or free regions during this time, if possible. Whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians: Allergy sufferers can often help home remedies for hay fever in addition to drugs. To combat or alleviate the symptoms, various methods such as acupuncture, the self-blood therapy or hypnosis offer. (Ad)