CONDITION RED - DRIVERS WARNED AS POLLEN COUNT PEAKS
Millions of motorists who suffer from hay fever are being warned to take extra care when driving as allergy experts predict weeks of misery ahead.
The arrival of summer sun and higher temperatures after the coldest spring for 50 years will mean an explosion of pollen from grass and trees.
Allergy UK’s Director of Clinical Services, Maureen Jenkins explained: “Grass pollen is now beginning to spread - taking up to four weeks from the onset of pollination to blanket the UK from the south to the far north.”
“In addition, trees that pollenate late, such as oak, will cause high pollen counts if the weather becomes hot and dry, particularly in the south and London.
Some four million motorists suffer from hay fever and insurance companies estimate that 1.5 million of them have been involved in a small prang or near miss due to severe sneezing, watering eyes or drowsiness resulting from allergy medication.
Rory Carlin from independent garage chain Halfords Autocentres said: “A properly maintained air conditioning system can be a vital first line of defence for hay fever sufferers.
“Around 80 per cent of vehicles are now fitted with air conditioning, which can drastically alleviate the symptoms of hay fever by helping to screen out pollen - provided they are properly maintained and filters are changed regularly.
“Our garages have tested or serviced more than 35,000 air-conditioning system in the past year and found that over three quarters of them were not operating efficiently. We offer a simple, free check that can identify if a system requires attention, which could significantly reduce the misery of millions of sufferers.”
Allergy UK’s Director of Clinical Services, Maureen Jenkins added: “Preventative steps such as keeping car windows closed and using air conditioning to remain cool, in conjunction with nasal sprays, eye drops and, for those with minimal or intermittent symptoms, a once-daily, non-sedating anti-histamine can make a big difference.”
Expert tips for hay fever sufferers include:
- Keep car windows closed and the air intake on 're-circulate' when driving
- Choose a car that is fitted with an effective pollen filter, or get an in-car air filter
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen grains reaching the eye
- Start taking your hay fever remedies before the pollen starts to appear
- Changing clothes and washing hair when arriving home to remove pollen helps those with significant hay fever
- Keep house windows closed from early morning to late afternoon, as this is when pollen levels are at their highest
- When pollen counts are high, dry washing inside
Halfords Autocentres offers a complete air conditioning service - from free performance checks to a service, inspection and re-charge for £49 and an anti-bacterial clean for an additional £20. To find your nearest Halfords Autocentre visit www.halfordsautocentres.com
Ends
Media contacts:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Visit www.allergyuk.org for more tips on how to alleviate the symptoms of hayfever and allergies.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network. We employ highly trained ATA accredited technicians and use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment in over 285 sites – which is expanding monthly - to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent expert’s means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions)
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 8 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.