Congestion = DWI?

If you think a head cold is just a nuisance, think again. Recent research shows that driving when you have a cold is just a dangerous as driving when you’re drunk. That’s because common head cold symptoms reduce your reaction time to the same level as drinking four beers. But that’s not all! Consider these findings from a study at Cardiff University in Wales:

• A cold or similar minor malady reduces your overall alertness by one-third.
• Under-the-weather drivers tend to follow cars more closely than they should and take longer to stop.
• A single sneeze takes your eyes off the road for up to three seconds. That’s long enough to travel more than 300 feet at highway speed or breeze through a stop sign on a local road.

And that doesn’t take into account any meds you may be taking that make you drowsy, woozy, or light-headed. So do yourself and your fellow motorists a favor: When you’re feeling under the weather, stay home — or at least have someone else take the wheel.