Driving after taking certain medications, whether prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter, is dangerous for both the person driving and everyone else on the road. Some medications can have various effects on the body that impact the way a person moves and thinks.
To ensure safety behind the wheel, it is important to understand the potential effects that medication can have on an individual’s driving abilities.
Prescription medication
Some prescription medications have side effects that impair a person’s driving skills. Sedatives, antidepressants and pain medicines are among the drugs known to cause drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and delayed reaction times. These effects can compromise a driver’s ability to react promptly to various situations.
Over-the-counter medicine
Over-the-counter medications for conditions such as colds or allergies may seem harmless, but many of them have side effects too. Even medications labeled “non-drowsy” can cause a temporary decline in motor skills and cognitive function that affects the way an individual drives.
Medication labels
Reading medication labels and understanding potential side effects is necessary, especially before driving. It is also important to follow dosage instructions and heed warnings about operating machinery or driving while taking the medication.
Alternatives to driving
While taking medication that impairs driving abilities, it is safer to avoid driving altogether. Choosing alternative transportation, such as public transit, ridesharing or getting a ride from a friend, is a better option to help prevent an accident.
Understanding the dangers of driving after taking medication is necessary so that individuals can take precautions before getting behind the wheel.
