Our New York car accident attorneys have previously reported on the risks of serious accidents resulting from distracted driving.  Most recently, we identified a variety of driving distractions and offered suggestions for avoiding them while driving. Now, ABC News has identified yet one more hazard for drivers – the common cold.

Although the full details of a study conducted by Young Marmalade, a UK-based car insurance company, and Cardiff University in Wales are not yet available, the researchers reported that normally excellent drivers who were sick during the study drove erratically and had slowed reaction times.  

In fact, the researchers found that a sick driver was potentially as dangerous as another driver who had consumed four whiskey drinks.

The researchers identified sleep deprivation from cold symptoms as the primary reason for poor driving by sick drivers, not the cold medication. However, taking cold medication can cause drowsiness and may further impact the dangers of driving with a cold.

ABC estimated that nearly one million Americans will be driving with a cold on any given day. Further, they found that 500 million Americans suffer from a cold each year, and nearly 90 percent of Americans drive each day. Following these assumptions, an estimated 600,000 accidents a year may be attributable to the common cold.

Before you drive while sick, ask yourself if it is safe to drive in your condition, and with the drugs that could be in your system. If you are determined to drive, be sure to focus on driving and follow basic safe driving skills such as keeping both hands on the wheel, buckling up and allowing enough distance between you and the car in front of you.

Our NY accident attorneys remind Rochester, Syracuse, Elmira and Watertown drivers that anytime you get behind the wheel of a car, you can have an accident when distracted for just a split second.  Recognizing, and avoiding, driving distractions can help keep you, your passengers and others safe from accidents. 

Contact Our NY Accident Lawyers Today

Experience counts.  If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of a drunk, reckless or negligent driver in New York, contact the Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP  today for a review of your case. There is no cost to you for the initial call.

Call our 24-hour answering service at (800) 825-5229 or submit our online contact form.  We have offices in Rochester, Elmira, Syracuse, Watertown or online at www.1800talklaw.com.