We have covered many serious car accidents which are attributable to distracted driving including a serious accident involving a Milwaukee mother who was driving a vehicle with almost a dozen children. That accident occurred when the mother turned to calm a fight which broke out in the backseat of the packed SUV. While the danger of driving with rowdy children is obvious to many, many more Wisconsin residents habitually drive with an equally hazardous passenger: their cold.

A recent study into the driving habits of sick drivers indicates that driving with a cold can be as bad as driving after taking four double-shots of whiskey or driving with a car of rowdy children. The sick drivers who participated in the study were distracted by their illnesses and more likely to cause accidents.

Sick drivers braked suddenly, had problems negotiating some curves and displayed delayed reaction time. All of these driving behaviors can cause a serious accident, especially during morning commutes that often feature other drivers who are distracted with their breakfast coffee or cellphones.

State troopers have noted the link between illness and bad driving habits. "It's taking away your attention," said one state trooper. "You're more focused on your cold than you are on your driving."

There is no law against driving while sick, but drivers should be aware that negligent driving behavior can lead to serious personal injury lawsuits. A personal injury lawsuit is the main way that drivers who are hurt by another's negligence can receive compensation for the damage done to them.

Troopers say that individuals should be cautious about driving while sick and driving after taking medication which can induce drowsiness.

"You should be evaluating yourself," a trooper said. "Can I drive safely while I'm feeling as ill as I am?"

Source: Komo News, "Study: Driving while sick as bad as drunk driving," Mark Miller, Jan. 5, 2012