According to new research there is a direct relation between driver illness and accident rates.

The study, commissioned by Lloyds TSB Insurance, found that more than 125, 000 crashes were caused last year by motorists who were suffering from colds and flu.

This equated to one in 10 road collisions in 2008 being attributed to driver flu – which between them cost £350 million.

It found that driving with a virus such as cold or flu impairs driver awareness by as much as 11% – the equivalent of drinking a double whisky before getting behind the wheel.

The study involved putting drivers with a variety of conditions - including PMT, stress, and headaches - through an approved hazard simulator test.

Those suffering from colds and flu came off worst, with reaction times and alertness slashed compared to a healthy driver.