Could your prescription medication impact your driving?
Driving is a complex task that requires a great deal of concentration, coordination and quick decision-making abilities. While people are made aware of the dangers of drink and drug-driving, many do not realise that many prescription medications can impair your ability to drive safely.
Drivers should also be aware of the consequences of driving under the influence of medication that impairs your driving ability, and to check before driving. These consequences can range from an increase in insurance policy prices to disqualification from driving.
If you’re convicted of drug driving you may get:
• a minimum 1 year driving ban
• an unlimited fine
• up to 6 months in prison
• a criminal record
According to a survey conducted by IAM RoadSmart, a survey of 2,000 motorists found 30% do not know what the maximum dose of a prescription medication is before it will impact their driving. A further 31% of those surveyed do not know how long they should wait before driving after taking their medication.
The most worrying statistic is that only 28% of those surveyed said they were unlikely to avoid driving after taking over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or cold and flu remedies (many of which come with a warning not to operate heavy equipment or machinery). Under UK law, it is an offence to drive while unfit because of drug use, and this law does not specify whether it is from legal or illegal substances as both can deem you unfit to drive.
Antony Kildare, CEO at IAM RoadSmart, explained: “When people think of driving while under the influence of drugs, they will probably, quite understandably, think of those who get behind the wheel after taking illicit and recreational substances such as cocaine, cannabis or ecstasy.
“And yet legal drugs that are used for medicinal purposes can often be just as potent, and could profoundly impact a driver’s judgement while behind the wheel. However, under the current system, this threat may not be understood – resulting in a lack of awareness of what should be basic considerations, such as maximum dosages or whether the medication will impact their ability to drive.
“We would like to see a new and reformed system which will provide more transparency on how medications can affect a motorist’s ability to drive, and clearly communicate potential risks to motorists.
“We also want drivers to be more aware of how they feel after taking medication for their own safety, so we are urging drivers to be vigilant of any potential symptoms of taking their medication and consider how the side-effects could impair their driving. This may include drowsiness, light-headedness, shakes and dizziness.”
Prescription medication can affect your driving ability in several ways. This includes: drowsiness, impaired vision, delayed reaction time and reduced cognitive function. These effects can be especially dangerous when combined with the demands of driving, such as navigating traffic, reacting quickly to sudden changes and making split-second decisions.
One of the most common side effects of prescription medication is drowsiness, which can significantly impact your ability to drive safely. Drowsiness can slow down your reaction time, impair your coordination and make it more difficult to stay alert while driving.
Impaired vision is another significant side effect of prescription medication that can negatively impact your driving. Medications can cause blurred vision or sensitivity to light, such as antihistamines, which can make it difficult to see clearly. This could be especially dangerous when driving at night.
Delayed reaction time is also another common side effect of many prescription medications. Medication that affects the central nervous system, such as antidepressants, can slow down your reaction time, making it harder to respond quickly to unexpected situations on the road. Some medication can also cause cognitive impairment, affecting your ability to process information and your decision-making.
To ensure road safety, it is crucial to understand the potential effects of prescription medication and how it may impact your driving ability. Before taking any medication, always make sure to read the label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any potential side effects that may affect your driving.
If you are taking medication that may affect your driving ability but you still need to drive, take necessary precautions such as avoiding driving during peak traffic hours or limiting your driving to shorter, necessary trips.
In conclusion, prescription medication can significantly impact your ability to drive safety, and you should judge the risk of a journey if you are suffering from side effects from your medication. By prioritising road safety and taking necessary precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
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