Many drivers may not realise that being unwell could have legal consequences in Austria. Here’s what experts and road safety laws say about the risks.
Driving while sick might not seem as risky as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but in Austria, it can still result in a hefty fine.
If illness or medication affects your ability to drive safely, you could face penalties of up to €726. In some cases, your insurance may refuse to cover damages in the event of an accident.
While there is no specific law banning driving while sick, Austrian road safety regulations require drivers to be fit to operate a vehicle. If an illness or medication impairs your concentration, reaction time, or motor skills, you could be considered unfit to drive, leading to legal and financial consequences.
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How does being sick affect your ability to drive?
According to traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger from Austria’s mobility club ÖAMTC, common symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and dizziness can significantly impair driving ability. Even a simple sneezing attack can cause a momentary loss of control.
“If you sneeze heavily, you automatically close your eyes and drive ‘blind’ for a short time. If you close your eyes for two seconds at 50 km/h, you are travelling blind for around 28 metres,” Seidenberger explained in an ÖAMTC report.
More severe illnesses that cause circulation problems, high fever, or confusion can make it even more dangerous to be behind the wheel. If an accident happens and authorities determine that your illness played a role, you could be fined and potentially held liable for damages.
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How do medications impact driving?
Even if you don’t feel particularly sick, taking certain medications can put you at risk of violating driving laws. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, reduced concentration, and slower reaction times.
According to Seidenberger, medications containing codeine can have a sedative effect, leading to rapid fatigue. In contrast, those containing caffeine may cause an initial boost in alertness followed by a sudden drop in performance.
Some medications may even cause a positive drug test result, which could have serious legal implications.
Drivers should always check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking medication and getting behind the wheel, especially if combining multiple medications or drinking alcohol.
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What are the legal and financial consequences?
Austrian law states that anyone who drives in a severely impaired state due to illness or medication is committing an administrative offence, which can result in a fine of up to €726, according to ÖAMTC.
If police officers suspect that a driver is unfit to drive due to illness or medication, they can prohibit further driving and confiscate the vehicle keys.
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The consequences don’t stop there. In the event of an accident, insurance companies may refuse to cover damages if the driver is found to have been grossly negligent.
While liability insurance will still cover damages to third parties, comprehensive insurance may deny claims if illness or medication was a contributing factor.
What should you do if you feel unwell?
If you’re experiencing symptoms that could affect your driving ability, it’s best to avoid driving altogether. Instead, consider alternative options such as:
- Letting a family member or friend drive
- Taking public transportation
- Calling a taxi or using a ride-hailing service
- Rescheduling non-urgent trips until you’re feeling better
If you’re unsure whether a medication affects your driving ability, consult a doctor or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel.
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Even seemingly mild symptoms or medications can have unexpected effects, and Austrian authorities take driving impairment seriously.
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