Tips to stop travel sickness as motorists face £1,000 fine

The vehicle leasing firm Leasing Options has given drivers tips on how to avoid travel sickness this summer.

As more families take longer road trips this summer, avoiding travel sickness can make journeys more pleasant and prevent any inconvenient stops.

Mike Thompson, CEO of Leasing Options, explained that, whilst travel sickness can be an inconvenience, it could also see drivers fined.

He said: “To keep busy in the summer holidays many families will be heading out on road trips. However, one thing that needs to be added to any road trip checklist is preparing for car travel sickness.

“Drivers should be careful if they take travel sickness tablets before driving as some can cause side effects that could impair driving ability.”

According to the Highway Code, if travel sickness affects the way a motorist drives, they could face a £1,000 fine for failing to have proper control of a vehicle. 

To avoid it, Leasing Options has told motorists to be cautious with travel sickness tablets such as hyoscine hydrobromide, which can make them feel dizzy and sometimes have blurred vision. 

Before taking sickness tablets, the company advised that drivers should consult the advice of a doctor to confirm if it is safe to drive.

Leasing Options also recommended that motorists should avoid eating acidic or greasy foods, such as takeaways, that stay undigested for longer periods of time.

Instead, before a journey, drivers should eat lighter foods such as cereal, along with either water or chamomile tea which can reduce stomach acid.

The company also stated that, when driving, chewing gum is a good idea, as the mint taste has been proven to reduce the mild effects of travel sickness.

If a driver or passenger is starting to feel travel sick on a journey, Leasing Options recommends listening to music, which can help to distract the feeling and block out the noise of the engine or road. 

For children who suffer from travel sickness, the company also advised travelling during their usual sleeping times, allowing them to rest and suffer less. 

Finally, with one in five adults said to get travel sick from time to time, it is also recommended that motorists should travel with another insured driver that could take over if needed.