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Motorists that dread the summer for its pollen and subsequent runny noses and sneezing fits put their lives at risk when behind the wheel, according to new research.

The study by research firm One Poll found a third of British drivers would get behind the wheel of a car after taking antihistamines despite still suffering symptoms of their hay fever.

Effects can include watery eyes, dizziness, blurred vision and slow reactions, which can all increase the likelihood of a car accident, subsequently causing a spike in car insurance premiums.

A further 63 per cent of hay fever suffers surveyed said they experienced a near miss or minor accident while under the influence of hay fever drugs, indicating how the drugs themselves could make situations worse by increasing grogginess.

Sneezing and watery eyes also means that around 700,000 motorists will have their eyes shut for an astonishing 60 seconds in every 45 minutes of driving.

After a particularly wet spring, pollen levels are likely to be sky high in the coming months, causing symptoms to be worse than usual.