Got The Sniffles? Maybe You Shouldn't Drive, Study Says
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's that time of year when you see people sneezing, sniffling, and coughing.
But does that mean they should put the brakes on driving?
A new study out of the United Kingdom says maybe you shouldn't. As CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports, it might be like getting behind the wheel under the influence.
The research shows it's like drinking four double whiskies.
"Quantifying equivalence to alcohol is a unique subjective issue, but I think the point being is you will be impaired," says Dr. Mitch Weinstein of St. Joseph Hospital.
Taking medication can affect concentration, he says.
"I don't know if I'd want to be driving in front of you or behind you," Weinstein says.
The study -- which looked at speed, breaking and cornering -- found driving performance with a heavy cold dropped off by about 50 percent.
Weinstein believes you probably should put the keys down when you're sick.
