It is well known that driving under the influence of alcohol is harmful, but what many people overlook is the equally dangerous issue of “drugged driving,” which poses a significant threat on the roads comparable to drunk driving.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in the United States conducted a study and found that many people underestimate the risks of driving under the influence of drugs. Some are unaware of the driving risks associated with common prescription or over-the-counter medications.
In fact, driving after taking certain medications can lead to symptoms such as slowed reflexes, drowsiness, lack of concentration, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and irritability, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Even if certain drugs themselves do not impair drivers, when taken together with another type of drug, they may cause harm. The specific effects can vary from person to person.
Data shows that in 2020 alone, 9,818 people in the United States died in accidents involving “drugged driving or drug-impaired driving.”
Currently, it is allergy season in the United States, and many people take antihistamines to combat allergic symptoms. These drugs are classified as “Potentially Driver Impairing (PDI)” on the list of medications that affect driving safety. Driving after taking these drugs may pose a risk.
In addition to antihistamines, PDI drugs include sedatives, painkillers, antidepressants, stimulants, cold medicines, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and many others, many of which are available without a prescription. The effects of these drugs can last for several hours, sometimes even up to 24 hours.
Following the study, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also discovered a concerning situation where many drivers taking these medications for depression, pain, or sleep problems were not informed of the potential dangers of driving after taking them.
Experts recommend that anyone taking PDI drugs should discuss with their doctor or pharmacist how to drive safely, such as adjusting medication dosages, avoiding taking medication during driving periods, or using alternative medications to treat their conditions.
If you are taking prescription drugs, have been prescribed new medication, or have received a higher dosage of existing medication, do not drive until you understand how they may affect your judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Similar to drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reminds drivers that whether they are using prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illegal substances like marijuana, if an accident occurs as a result, they will be held legally responsible and face financial penalties.
In 2021, among drivers who died in accidents and were tested, 52.9% were found to have taken legal drugs or illegal substances.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) estimates that the cost of a single driving violation is approximately $13,500, leading to a series of troubles including increased insurance premiums, payment of legal fees and court costs, restricted driver’s licenses, the need to take time off for court appearances, and leaving a criminal record. Following doctor’s orders for prescription drugs cannot serve as a valid excuse for “drugged driving.”
Law enforcement officials hope the public recognizes the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs, in order to reduce casualties on the roads. If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that could impair your driving, you should not get behind the wheel. ◇