According to research by insurance company Young Marmalade, motorists with flu or a heavy cold are "as bad as drink drivers."

Co Founder of Young Marmalade, Nigel Lacy, said, “a heavy cold can impair a driver's mood, concentration and judgement."

The research also suggests that driving ability is estimated to drop by over fifty per cent when motorists are feeling poorly, mostly down to a heavy cold or flu. As a result, drivers have been advised not to go behind the wheel until they are feeling better and when their reaction speeds are improved.

Halfords’ Winter Driving Expert, Mark Dolphin said, "we want our customers to stay safe. You shouldn't drive if you are not feeling well. The best place to be when you have flu or a heavy cold is at home, but if you really must go out, get someone else to take you and avoid driving.”