Driving whist having a cold or flu could give you a similar affect as drink driving, van insurance customers may like to know.

According to research by Lloyds TSB, those driving when ill are more likely to behave in a similar way to those driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The study found that having a cold or flu reduces a driver’s awareness by 11 per cent, the same amount as a double whisky.

Last year, one in ten road accidents were due to drivers suffering from a flu or cold.

Spokesperson Paula Llewellyn of Lloyds TSB Insurance said: "Our research proves that getting behind the wheel when ill causes thousands of accidents every year.

This serves as a double warning for drivers - firstly, try to avoid driving if you're suffering from cold or flu and secondly, be prepared for other drivers' irresponsibility by making sure you are comprehensively insured."

The study also found that stress and headaches also affected a driver’s awareness.

Meanwhile, manufacturer, Peugeot has designated this week as Van Week as it celebrates its award winning variety of light commercial vehicles (LCV).

LCV product and pricing manager April Harris of Peugeot said that it offers "one of the best and most comprehensive LCV ranges currently on the market.

Operators are very much focused on reducing the running costs of their LCV fleet ... we have a broad range from which they can choose."