Driving with Hay Fever: Top Tips for Staying Safe on the Road This Summer​

As temperatures rise and pollen levels increase, many motorists across the UK are experiencing the familiar symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies. While often viewed as a minor seasonal inconvenience, hay fever can have a significant impact on driving safety, affecting concentration, reaction times and overall comfort behind the wheel.

To help drivers stay safe during allergy season, we're sharing expert advice on how to reduce the effects of hay fever while driving and enjoy a safer, more comfortable journey throughout the summer months.

New Research Highlights the Impact of Hay Fever on Drivers

Research commissioned by Volvo Car UK reveals that hay fever symptoms are affecting motorists more than many people realise.

The study found that drivers have experienced symptoms including:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Reduced concentration

Alarmingly, 88% of motorists surveyed admitted that these symptoms had affected their control of a vehicle while driving.

The research also revealed that:

• 17% of drivers have delayed journeys, altered routes or avoided travelling altogether on high-pollen days.
• 44% believe hay fever should be recognised as a road safety issue.

These findings highlight the importance of managing allergy symptoms before getting behind the wheel.

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Why Hay Fever Can Be Dangerous When Driving

Symptoms such as persistent sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion and tiredness can significantly reduce a driver's ability to focus on the road. Even a brief lapse in concentration can increase the risk of an accident, particularly during long journeys, motorway driving or in heavy traffic.

By taking a few simple precautions, drivers can reduce their exposure to pollen and maintain better comfort and concentration throughout their journey.

1. Plan Ahead Before You Travel

One of the easiest ways to reduce the impact of hay fever while driving is to prepare before setting off.

Drivers should:

• Check local pollen forecasts before travelling.
• Consider planning longer journeys when pollen levels are typically lower, such as after rainfall or later in the evening.
• Avoid heavily grassed or rural routes where possible during peak pollen periods.
• Keep essentials such as sunglasses, tissues and allergy medication within easy reach.

If taking antihistamines, always ensure they are non-drowsy and suitable for driving. Drivers should carefully read medication guidance before getting behind the wheel.

2. Keep Car Windows Closed and Use Air Conditioning

Although driving with the windows down can be tempting during warmer weather, it can allow large amounts of pollen to enter the vehicle.

To help minimise allergen exposure:

• Keep windows and sunroofs closed where possible.
• Use the vehicle's air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature.
• Replace cabin and pollen filters regularly to improve air quality inside the vehicle.

Selected Volvo models available at Waylands Volvo feature Advanced Air Cleaner technology, designed to remove up to 99.9% of grass, tree and weed pollen allergens from incoming air, helping to create a cleaner and more comfortable in-car environment.

3. Keep Your Vehicle Interior Clean

Regular vehicle cleaning can help reduce pollen build-up and improve comfort during allergy season.

Simple steps include:

• Vacuuming seats, carpets and floor mats regularly.
• Wiping down dashboards, door panels and other interior surfaces.
• Removing dust and pollen that may accumulate inside the cabin.

A cleaner vehicle interior can help reduce exposure to allergens for both drivers and passengers, making journeys more enjoyable during peak pollen season.

Stay Safe on the Road During Allergy Season

Hay fever may be common, but its impact on driving should not be underestimated. By planning ahead, reducing pollen exposure inside your vehicle and maintaining a clean cabin environment, motorists can stay focused, comfortable and safer on the road throughout the summer.

If you're looking for a vehicle designed with air quality and driver wellbeing in mind, speak to the team at Waylands Volvo to discover the latest models equipped with innovative air purification technology.

Source: Research commissioned by Volvo Car UK, May 2026.