So, I’ve had to take the day off today due to neck injury. I’m not sure what has caused it as I don’t recall any jolts or strains but I’ve had an awful nights sleep and I don’t have full movement of my head today. As I spend the day taking painkillers and staying as still as possible, the inspiration stuck to write a blog post about safe driving when feeling unwell.

If you are feeling unwell, for example you have a headache or a temperature, the chances are you won’t be able to concentrate whilst driving. It doesn’t take a lot to divert your attention from the road when you’re feeling unwell and a brief lapse in concentration can have big consequences on the road. So if you aren’t feeling well, it’s best to avoid driving until you are back to normal.

If you have an injury you will need to consider how it may impact your ability to drive. For example a sore foot might impact your ability to brake safely – if you wouldn’t be able to do an emergency stop then you shouldn’t be driving. If a muscular injury affects your ability to check your blind spots then you need to consider if you’re going to miss something . If you can’t see who is in your blind spot whilst changing lanes there is a risk you will hit a motorbike. Arm and wrist injuries might impact your ability to change gear, or steer swiftly in an emergency. So before driving you need to consider these moments where you might have to suddenly act, if you don’t feel that you can quickly respond you should find alternative ways to travel until you return to normal. Supportive bandages might be able to help ease the discomfort and are great, but they aren’t a fix.

If problems persist, make sure you speak to your doctor and let them know that you are a driver, they can then advise you what the best cause of action is going forward.