I Day Or II Nights, A Certified Dui School, Offers Safety Tips For Driving Safe While Using Prescription Medication
When it comes to understanding impaired driving, most people consider alcohol or illegal substances as the primary culprits. However, some of the most significant substances that lead to driving impairment are often hiding in our medicine cabinets. I Day Or II Nights, a Certified Dui School, offers three safety tips to keep you driving safely while taking prescription medication.
It’s crucial to recognize the dangers of operating a vehicle while on prescription medication. Here are some insights into the type of drugs to watch out for and how to recognize impairment.
- Different Types of Prescription Medications That Can Affect Driving
Certain types of prescription medications can have significant side effects, ranging from dizziness to drowsiness, which can severely impair driving ability. These medications include:
Sedatives and Sleeping Pills: Drugs that calm your mind and body, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, can cause drowsiness and slower reaction times.- Anti-Anxiety Drugs: Sometimes doubling as sedatives, these medications, which include benzodiazepines, can be impairing, especially during the initial stages of use.
- Narcotic Analgesics: Painkillers like oxycodone or codeine can cause drowsiness dizziness, and may lead to decreased alertness.
- Antidepressants: Certain types, such as tricyclic antidepressants, can have sedating effects, while others can cause dizziness or blurred vision.
- Antihistamines: Past the prime time of allergies, these drugs can lead to disturbing drowsiness and negatively impact your judgment.
Sedatives and Sleeping Pills: Drugs that calm your mind and body, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, can cause drowsiness and slower reaction times.Awareness of these medications and their effects is the starting point for driving safety. Plan ahead and designate a safe driver, or choose a driving service if you have to travel while taking any of these medications.
- Recognizing Signs of Medication Impairment
It’s not always obvious when your prescribed medication has made you unfit to drive. Look for these telltale signs:
- Extreme Fatigue: If you’re struggling to keep your eyes open, your medication might be to blame.
- Slurred Speech or Confusion: Difficulty articulating or processing information can indicate mental and physical slowdown.
- Delayed Reactions: Leading, tailing, or negotiating traffic can become more challenging.
- Mechanical Impairments: If you’re having difficulty with simple motor tasks, like turning or braking smoothly, you’re probably not fit to drive.
- Uncontrollable Nodding or Lapses in Concentration: These are dangerous signs that you could lapse into unconsciousness or unresponsiveness at any time.
Extreme Fatigue: If you’re struggling to keep your eyes open, your medication might be to blame.Recognizing these signs in yourself or someone else is critical, but knowing what to do next is equally important. If you feel any impairment while driving, find a safe place to pull over or a public place to stop and contact someone to come to your rescue. Better yet, plan ahead and don’t drive.
- What to Do If You’ve Been Prescribed Impairing Medication
If your doctor prescribes a medication that you suspect may impair your driving, there are several steps you should take:
- Ask for a Driving Assessment: Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. Some people are more affected by medications than others, and a dose or drug adjustment may be necessary.
- Understand the Medication’s Side Effects: Before leaving the pharmacy, be aware of potential driving hazards.
- Plan for Your Safety: If you’re unsure how a new medication will affect you, consider alternative transportation or activities.
- Read Labels Carefully: Instructions and warnings on your medication’s packaging exist for a reason. Follow them closely and do not drive if they advise against it.
By being proactive and taking these precautions, you can help ensure you’re not a danger on the road. Stay safe and plan ahead.
Driving is a complex task that requires a full spectrum of cognitive and psychomotor skills. Medications that affect your ability to drive safely should not be taken lightly. It’s your responsibility to be aware of how your prescriptions could impair your driving, to recognize the signs, and to act accordingly for your safety and the safety of others. Always consult your doctor and read the labels before getting behind the wheel.
We All Make Mistakes, That Is Why I Day Or II Nights Defensive Driving & DUI, a Certified Dui School, Offers DUI Risk Reduction Classes
Understanding the hazards of driving while on medication is essential for promoting road safety. That said, we know everyone can make a mistake.
If you have unfortunately acquired a DUI and require a DUI Risk Reduction class, I Day Or II Nights Defensive Driving & DUI, a Certified Dui School, offers online classes that are convenient and ready to help you get back to driving safely on the road.