Is sneezing dangerous behind the wheel?
Imagine driving at 60km/h and you feel a sneeze coming on, so you close your eyes for a split second to let it out.
We’ve been taught to never take our eyes off the road, but what happens when they’re involuntarily forced shut by a sneeze?
The simple act of sneezing while driving can be more dangerous than you think, according to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain.
In fact, shutting your eyes for just a second while sneezing and driving at 60km/h means you’ve travelled more than 15 metres without seeing the road. That’s nearly three car lengths.
“You’re essentially travelling blind during that period,” Charles says. “And taking your eyes off the road for any amount of time is never recommended.”
When you can’t hold in a sneeze
Stopping a sneeze isn’t always possible, nor is it recommended. Did you know holding in a sneeze can apparently push more bacteria into your sinuses? That’s another story.
So, what should you do when you need to ‘achoo’ while driving? You can’t exactly plan your sneezes to a tee (if you can, well done – that’s a skill).
“You can be mindful of the riskier areas where you should pay more attention, like through intersections and roundabouts,” Charles says.
“If you feel a sneeze coming on, pull over at a safe location if possible and wait until it passes, particularly if you’re a multi-sneezer.”
Sneezing is usually a whole-body reflex, meaning your head may also jerk forwards and your eyes water as well which can blur your vision.
“If there isn’t a safe place to stop before sneezing, keep both hands on the wheel, your head upright, and try to keep your eyes open as much as possible during the sneeze,” Charles says.
“Take your foot of the accelerator as well so that you don’t inadvertently increase speed mid-sneeze if your body flexes.”
In this situation, it also pays to leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front to increase your stopping distance.
If you struggle with hay fever, make sure any medication you’re taking to treat allergies at this time of year is drowsy-free, for obvious reasons.
Just for fun
Most people squeeze their eyes shut automatically when they sneeze, but apparently there are some who can sneeze with their eyes open. Are you one of them? Let us know by voting in the poll below.