A recent study in the UK has shown that suffering from a severe cold or influenza can significantly impair a driver's reaction ability, making driving as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

The study, commissioned by Lloyd's TSB Insurance and conducted by PCP Research, involved testing 100 individuals with various discomfort symptoms, including colds, influenza, headaches, and premenstrual syndrome, using a driving simulator. Their test results were then compared with those of 50 healthy individuals.

The findings revealed that individuals with severe colds or influenza had the poorest reaction times and attention levels, scoring on average 11% lower than healthy individuals. This level of impairment to driving ability is equivalent to driving after consuming two glasses of whiskey.

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