You are probably well aware of the danger of driving after drinking alcohol or taking medicinal drugs. Yet what many people fail to consider is that driving after taking prescription medicines can also be incredibly dangerous. That applies whether someone is driving a car, truck, boat, airplane, bus, lawnmower or any other vehicle.
If you are not taking medications and driving yourself, the biggest risk to you probably comes from people driving private vehicles. Those who drive public transport vehicles or fly planes are usually more aware of such risks.
Check with your doctor or the pharmacist
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlights that drugs in the following categories could be problematic. However, it might not apply to everything in a particular category, and other categories also need care. The best option is to always check with the issuing doctor or pharmacist before taking a medication.
- Opioid pain relievers
- Anxiety drugs
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Muscle relaxants
Even those designed to help you stay awake (such as the drugs student take when they need to stay up all night to finish an essay) can be problematic because there will come the point when they wear off, and you will be far more tired than if you had slept properly.
Drivers need to be fully alert to drive safely
Any drugs that cause drivers to relax or feel drowsy will inhibit their ability to navigate the roads safely. If you are injured in a crash, it’s always worth considering if the other driver was affected by any medication they had taken. Getting legal help to show they were could help you get compensation for your injuries.
