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Drivers suffering from allergies can be just as dangerous as drunk drivers, says TÜV Süd, citing studies.
So what do the experts recommend?
For many drivers, winter comes to an end: frozen doors, icy windows, a dead battery.
The icy temperatures often cause problems for vehicles – especially electric cars.
When the temperatures finally rise again with the approaching spring and the annoying tire change is done, many drivers breathe a sigh of relief.
For allergy sufferers, on the other hand, a very unpleasant phase begins: the pollen leads to a runny nose, watery eyes and coughing attacks.
This can also be dangerous behind the wheel.
Dangerous attacks of coughing and sneezing from pollen in the car: what experts advise
As TÜV Süd explains, allergy-stricken drivers can be just as dangerous on the road as drunk drivers - studies have shown that.
For example, a hay fever attack can have fatal consequences: At a speed of 100 km/h, you can cover a good 30 meters uncontrollably during a heavy sneeze.
Medication can help on the one hand (although you have to pay attention to a restriction of fitness to drive), and on the other hand special filters.
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An allergy is always uncomfortable, but it can be quite dangerous when driving.
(icon picture)
© Imagebroker/Imago
Allergy in drivers: regular pollen filter replacement is recommended
The cabin air filter – also known as the pollen filter – filters quite a few pollutants out of the air.
However, it only helps allergy sufferers if it is not added.
"A clogged filter is usually noticeable through fogged windows if the ventilation is set correctly," explains TÜV SÜD specialist Eberhard Lang.
Then an exchange is definitely due.
In general, TÜV Süd recommends an exchange after around 15,000 kilometers.
We do not recommend cleaning by beating or blowing out with compressed air - this would destroy the microfibre layer and the filter effect would no longer exist.
Drivers with allergies: Activated carbon filters can improve the situation
Purchasing an activated charcoal filter for the car can also be worthwhile for allergy sufferers under certain circumstances - according to the experts, these offer better protection against gases such as ozone, which often cause problems for allergy sufferers in summer.
Mysterious traffic signs: Ten signs whose meaning is not clear to everyone
Four people are standing around a halved car - this sign puzzles many road users.
However, if you look at the vehicle as "shared", things become much clearer: this sign indicates a car sharing parking lot.
© Stefan Sauer/dpa
There are traffic signs that look like they are from another world - and in this case it really is: This black and white sign is intended for the digital world - it is meaningless for the human driver.
The sign, which can be found mainly in southern Bavaria, enables autonomous vehicles in test operation to determine their exact location.
© Future Image/Imago
In principle, only bicycles and e-scooters are allowed to ride in a bicycle street.
However, there are exceptions, which are indicated by additional signs.
In this example, cars and motorcycles are also allowed.
However, the maximum speed is 30 km/h - and special consideration must be given to cyclists.
© Gottfried Czepluch/Imago
A green sign with a white bicycle indicates what are known as cycle expressways – regardless of the condition of the road.
Even on sandy roads, for example, it should be made clear that it is a cycle expressway.
©Panthermedia/Imago
Dead end sign Passage for cyclists and pedestrians Most road users are probably familiar with the dead end sign - but there is also a special variant that is not seen that often.
In this case, motor vehicles are closed - but there is a passage in this dead end for pedestrians and cyclists.
© Christian Ohde/Imago
Traffic sign Spielstrasse Risk of confusion!
If you ask motorists what traffic sign they see on a play street, you will probably get the same answer from almost everyone: A blue and white rectangle showing an adult and a child playing soccer – with an approaching car .
But that's wrong: This sign indicates a traffic-calmed area.
Pedestrians and other road users have equal rights here.
Despite the requirement of mutual consideration, cars and cyclists have to drive very carefully and stop if necessary.
In addition, only walking speed is allowed.
According to courts, this is between 5 and 15 km/h.
© Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago
Spielstrasse traffic signAnd here is the "real" Spielstrasse sign: It consists of a prohibition sign for all types of vehicles, with an additional sign underneath showing a child playing soccer.
“Neither motorized vehicles nor cyclists are allowed to drive or park here.
The play street is only intended for playing children and pedestrians,” explains the ADAC on its website.
© Carsten Koall/dpa
Green arrow at red traffic lightsThe green arrow (not: green arrow) at traffic lights allows all vehicles to turn right despite the red light signal.
However, only if they have previously stopped at the stop line and if there is no obstruction or danger to other road users, in particular pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the authorized traffic direction.
© Martin Müller/Imago
Traffic sign green arrow for cyclists There is also a special variant of the green arrow sign: In this case, only cyclists are allowed to turn right at a red light.
Of course only under the conditions that also apply to the “normal” green arrow.
© Rüdiger Wölk/Imago
Traffic sign prohibiting overtaking of single-track vehiclesThe traffic sign for the "normal" overtaking ban should be familiar to all motorists.
This shield is a variation of that.
It explicitly prescribes an overtaking ban for single-track vehicles.
This means that multi-lane vehicles (cars, trucks) are not allowed to overtake motorcycles or bicycles on road sections that are signposted with this traffic sign.
© Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago
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Pollen filter in the car: It is not easy to replace it in every car
However, there are also experts who recommend a much more frequent exchange.
According to the Association of German Engineers, you should change the pollen filter every twelve months at the latest – even better, every six months.
A change before the start of the spring season and then again before the onset of winter is particularly recommended.
Changing the cabin air filter is easy to do yourself in many cars - but not in everyone.
That's why you should first research the necessary effort before making an exchange on your own.
In some models, for example, it is necessary to remove the glove compartment.
List of rubrics: © Imagebroker/Imago