Responsible drivers would not dream of jumping into a car and driving when worse for wear through drink, yet the same drivers regularly take risks on the road through driving when ill. That is the message from a new report by on-line insurance company Esure, which says over a third of motorists are risking an accident by driving while ill or under the influence of cold or flu medication.

Over 20% of those surveyed admitted driving despite feeling too ill to do so, while nearly two thirds admitted to driving despite feeling tired and fatigued. It seems when ill, the vast majority of workers adopt a “battle through it” attitude and do not take time off from work and driving. This has been made even worse by reluctance to take time off during the recession.

Commenting on the findings Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at Esure said, "As we start to experience a surge in colds and flu over the coming months it's crucial that motorists check medication labels and avoid driving when they just aren't up to it."