A question for conscientious drivers: Would you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle knowing that you were hampered by one or more of these unsafe conditions?
- Impaired judgment
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Slowed reactions
- Reduced coordination
- Loss of alertness or concentration
Most responsible motorists would answer "No" to this question.
But it's a fact that large numbers of drivers, many of them without even realizing it, regularly take to the road with their critical driving skills diminished by popular over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.
The impairments that these "drugged drivers" experience often stem from the side effects of medication that they're using to relieve the symptoms of common ailments. Included are medicines such as:
- Cold/flu/allergy preparations - particularly those containing traditional antihistamines targeted at sneeze, tearing and itching.
- Cough suppressants
- Pain relievers
- Tranquilizers
- Muscle relaxants
These products typically work just fine. The problem is that while they're relieving your symptoms, they're also relieving you're of your critical driving faculties - setting up an unsafe situation.
So do drivers like you have to choose between not using the medication and feeling miserable - or using it and taking a chance on operation "under the influence" of everyday drugs?
Not necessarily. These practical do's and don'ts from medical and safety professionals may help you find a workable solution:
- DON'T think that because you can buy a medication without a doctor's prescription, it is weak or harmless.
- DON'T believe that if "one pill is good, two are better." Stick to the recommended dosage. Exceeding it only increases side effects.
- DON'T combine drugs unless you're told to by a health professional.
- DON'T mix medications and alcohol.
- DON'T take a "side effect" medication immediately before, or during the course of, driving.
- DO keep in mind the possibility of impairment by "legal" drugs.
- DO read medication labels, packaging and inserts carefully.
- DO talk with your physician or pharmacist if you have doubts or questions about when or how to sue a product.
- DO ask questions before you take or combine medicines.
- DO understand that if the drug relieves your symptoms but has driver-impairing side effects, you might use it after work or overnight so it can sear off before you have to drive again.
- DO recognize that if the side effect is drowsiness from an OTC drug, you can ask your doctor about a prescription alternative. "Second generation" antihistamines usually don't produces these effects.
- DO remember the old medical saying: "There are no safe drugs, only safe doses." And bear in mind that when it comes to driving, the safe dose may sometimes be not at all.