Drive easy during sneezy season – Our top tips for driving safely with hay fever
Drive easy during sneezy season – Our top tips for driving safely with hay fever
As warmer weather arrives across Yorkshire, many local drivers are beginning to experience the familiar symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies.
To help motorists stay safe and comfortable on the road this summer, we’re encouraging drivers to take simple preventative measures during allergy season, particularly as new research highlights the impact hay fever can have behind the wheel.
New research commissioned by Volvo Car UK has found drivers in Yorkshire and the Humber have experienced symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, fatigue and reduced concentration while driving, with 92% admitting these symptoms have affected their control of the vehicle.
The research also found that 24% of local motorists have delayed journeys, changed routes or avoided travelling altogether during high-pollen days, while 52% believe hay fever should now be recognised as a road safety issue.
Although hay fever is often considered a seasonal inconvenience, symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing and tiredness can significantly affect concentration and reaction times while driving. Even a brief loss of focus behind the wheel can increase the risk of accidents, particularly during longer journeys or in busy traffic conditions.
To help motorists across Yorkshire stay summer road ready, we’re sharing three simple tips for safer driving during this year’s allergy season.
1. Plan ahead before travelling
Drivers are encouraged to check local pollen forecasts before setting off and, where possible, schedule longer journeys for times when pollen levels are lower, such as after rainfall or later in the evening.
Planning routes that avoid heavily grassed or rural areas may also help reduce exposure to airborne pollen. Before travelling, motorists should ensure essentials such as sunglasses, tissues and allergy medication are easily accessible.
Any antihistamines taken before driving should always be non-drowsy and suitable for use behind the wheel.
Keep windows closed and use air conditioning
While it may be tempting to drive with the windows down during warmer weather, keeping windows closed can significantly reduce the amount of pollen entering the vehicle.
Instead, drivers should use their car’s air conditioning system to stay cool and comfortable throughout their journey. Replacing pollen filters regularly can also help improve air quality inside the cabin by removing allergens before air enters the vehicle.
Selected Volvo models available at Ray Chapman Motors in Bradford, Huddersfield, Malton and York feature Advanced Air Cleaner technology, designed to remove up to 99.9% of grass, tree and weed pollen allergens from incoming air to help create a cleaner and more comfortable driving environment.
Regularly clean your vehicle’s interior
Keeping a vehicle clean is another simple but effective way to reduce pollen build-up inside the cabin.
Regular vacuuming of seats, mats and upholstery can help remove trapped allergens, while wiping down dashboards and interior surfaces can clear away settled dust and pollen particles.
A cleaner cabin can help make journeys more comfortable for both drivers and passengers during the peak allergy season.
As allergy season continues across the region, taking a few simple precautions can help motorists stay focused, comfortable and safer on the road throughout the summer months.
Research commissioned by Volvo Car UK, May 2026.