Most people will take drugs to stop a headache, cure a cold, or kill an infection. Many people need drugs to manage chronic diseases. And some people take drugs just to get high and feel good.
Whatever the reason, drugs can have the effect of reducing your driving skills. Many drugs negatively affect your coordination, decision making, and response speed – so that you drive just as if you had a high blood alcohol concentration.
Prescription, Over-the-Counter, or Illegal
"It must be safe. My doctor prescribed it." Even though that prescription might be good for what ails you, it can still affect your driving skills. Always read the label, and ask your doctor about its side effects.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are required to have printed warnings about side effects, including driving risks. The bad news is that many people don't read the warning or they don't believe it is meant for them. Even seemingly harmless drugs can cause problems when used in large quantities or mixed with other medications.
Illegal drugs are unpredictable in their effects since there are no controls on production and contents. You are already putting your health at risk by using these drugs, not to mention the legal risks. Driving while using illegal drugs greatly increases the risks – for you and others.
Effects of Drugs on Your Driving
Did you know?
- Taking sedating antidepressants even 10 hours before driving is equal to driving drunk.
- 10 mg of Valium® can cause greater driving impairment than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1 (which is above the legal limit in all states).
- Antihistamines – which block allergic reactions – slow down reaction time and impair coordination.
- Over-the-counter decongestants can cause drowsiness, anxiety, and dizziness.
Some drugs can make you feel alert and confident in your driving. In reality, the situation might be quite different. Drugs can fool you into believing your are in control of your driving when you are, in fact, impaired.
Here is a partial list of legal drugs that can – in the right amount – impair your ability to drive.
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Stimulants
- Narcotic pain medications
- Allergy medicines
- Blood sugar medicines
- Antidepressants
- Tranquilizers
- Blood pressure medicines
- Motion sickness medication
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- Ulcer medication
- Antibiotics
- Anti-seizure medicines
- Paregoric
- Anti-nausea medicine
- Sedatives
- Cough syrups
- Alcohol-containing medicines
- Caffeine-containing medicines
- Decongestants
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Ask Your Doctor
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible drug side effects, including those that would impair driving. Drugs taken orally usually enter the system more slowly than those taken by injection or inhaling. Find out what to expect and then be prepared.
Summary
The youngest (and least experienced) and the oldest (most likely to be taking medication) drivers are at the greatest risk from drug-impaired driving. A designated driver is often a good solution to a possible driving problem.
Not everyone reacts the same way to drugs and combinations of drugs. The effects of drugs on your driving abilities can continue many hours after you take the drug. The safest course of action: Do not drive after taking drugs that might impair your driving. |
