Drive at your own risk if you have flu

London: Driving while suffering from flu increases the risk of a road accident, as much as consuming two glasses of liquor, according to a British new study.

Using a driving simulator, researchers found that people who drove with heavy colds or the flu took 10 per cent longer to react than healthy drivers.

This caused them to travel up to two extra metres at 60 mph before they started to brake. The drivers "under the influenza" were also less aware of hazards on the road if they were feeling ill, the study found.

Road safety experts warned that the effects could be compounded by cold remedies, which can cause drowsiness, and by drinking alcohol.

Department for Transport figures show that there were at least 93 fatal accidents on Britain's roads in 2007 for which illness or disability was a contributing factor.

The study compared the reaction times of 60 volunteers suffering from a cold or the flu with those of 50 healthy drivers.

Having a headache or suffering from premenstrual tension also impaired drivers' abilities, but not as much as the flu, the study, carried out by the firm PCP in York, on behalf of Lloyds TSB Insurance, found.

Did you know that having the flu could effect your driving behaviour? Have you or anyone you know experienced it? What precautions could ailing motorists take to safeguard themselves from drowsiness? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.