PRESS RELEASE

5^thJune 2014

GEM issues medicines warning as hay fever season approaches

ROAD SAFETY ANDbreakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is warning hay fever sufferers to check their medicines carefully before getting behind the wheel, and to be aware of the possible effects these drugs can have on their driving.

GEM chief executive David Williams MBE says: "Some medicines, including those used to treat hay fever, can have an effect on your ability to drive safely. They could make you tired, dizzy or groggy, and they can compromise your vision and reaction time. That's why it's so important to check with your GP or pharmacist, and to read any warnings contained on the labels of the medicines you plan to take.

"The same road traffic laws apply to therapeutic drugs as to illicit substances, so if your driving is impaired and you cause a collision, you risk prosecution and the loss of your licence."

GEM's recently-revised free leaflet,Don't motor on meds,offers sensible and straightforward advice for anyone concerned about how hay fever remedies and other medication may affect their ability to drive safely and legally. The leaflet answers a number of questions dealing with prescription medicines, over-the-counter remedies and what the law says about driving while impaired by drugs.

David Williams recommends a safety checklist for any driver likely to need a hay fever medicine:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medicine could affect your ability to drive. Be particularly careful if you are using a medicine for the first time.

• If you do experience potentially dangerous side effects from a medicine, don't drive. Organise a taxi or a lift from a friend if you need to travel.

• If you find a particular medicine is making you sleepy, consider asking if there is a non-sedating alternative available.

• It's not just prescription medicines that can cause drowsiness and other potentially dangerous side-effects. So, check with your pharmacist if you plan to use an over-the-counter drug.

• If you're unsure about the warning given on the medicine you're using, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any risks... before you drive anywhere.

• Be aware that drinking alcohol while taking medicines can intensify drowsy side-effects. Even small amounts of alcohol mixed with medicines can make it dangerous to drive.

The GEM leaflet,Don't motor on meds, is available online atwww.motoringassist.com/leaflets

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.

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 Notes to Editors: 

GEM Motoring Assist provides two levels of recovery service; Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, to suit all needs and pockets. All GEM policies also include free Accident Management, so members are also fully covered in this area. 

GEM provides a unique, comprehensive and competitively-priced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Recovery Service. GEM has also been voted number one for Breakdown Cover in the 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2008 Auto Express Driver Power Survey, and runners-up in 2012 and 2009. 

GEM Motoring Assist is a trading name of The Guild of Experienced Motorists, established in 1932, as an independent driver-based road safety association. GEM's aim is to improve safety for all road users through the sponsorship and initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and to provide motoring and safety information to its own members. Member benefits include a quarterly magazine, free literature and advice and discounts on insurances and other services. 

Press information: David Williams MBE, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, is available for comment on 01342-825676 (office) or 07711450560 (mobile).  David Williams was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to road safety. Alternatively you can emailpress@motoringassist.comfor any further information.