Massachusetts residents may be surprised to hear the results of a new study. It claims that driving while you are sick is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.

The study, funded by insurance companies in the UK, says that driving under the influence of more than four shots of alcohol is no more reckless than driving while you have a cold. This could mean that driving while sick will lead to car accidents.

While the results may sound shocking, at its core, the study seems to simply say that it is important to drive responsibly. Those who are negligent behind the wheel put themselves and others at the risk of being injured, and even being involved in a fatal accident.

The study's authors point out that drivers who are not feeling well do have a slower reaction time than normal, as well as difficulty both maneuvering around curves and braking suddenly. These elements may make you a more dangerous driver.

Of course, it is also not safe to drive if you are under the influence of certain medicines. Even medication for the common cold can make a person drowsy and in such a state that he or she is not safe on the roads.

A news report pointed to the example of one driver who was recently pulled over when he reached to grab a tissue. Police stopped him when his car weaved. Luckily, he did not cause an accident, but in certain circumstances he certainly could have.

State troopers agreed that being sick may take your attention away from driving.

This should be a reminder to motorists to drive responsible and to evaluate their condition before driving. If someone is not feeling well enough to walk around the house in good form, they probably should not take to the roads. Negligent drivers will be held accountable for their actions; people should not drive when they do not have the capacity to devote their complete attention to the roads.

Source: KOMONews.com, "Study: Driving while sick as bad as drunk driving," Mark Miller, Jan. 6, 2012