Dangers Of Prescription Medication While Driving

Driving is a necessary skill that must be performed for a wide variety of reasons. Transportation to a job, traveling to visit family, and commuting to school are just a few ways driving can enable you to get places easier.

Driving requires your full concentration and can be affected by changes in your physical and mental health. Prescription medication can directly alter your physical and mental conditions. Combining driving with prescription medication can result in a charge of driving under the influence (DUI).

How Do Medications Affect Driving?

According to a 2014 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 10 million people, age 12 and older, drove under the influence of drugs during the prior year. The study also found that men are more likely than women to drive under the influence.

Driving under the influence of prescription medication puts yourself, passengers, and all others on the road at risk. Additionally, if you get pulled over by law enforcement you could get charged with a DUI. Prescription medication and substance abuse are serious issues and can produce several unsafe reactions:

• lack of focus
• nausea
• blurred vision
• sluggish movement
• fainting
• sleepiness

Can You Drive Safety While On Medications?

Both your doctor and pharmacist can help you decide if prescription medication can safely be used while driving. To avoid substance abuse and a possible DWI, tell your doctor about any side effects your medications are causing. Also, consult with your pharmacist and have him/her go over all potential side effects of your medication.

Your doctor is particularly important when ensuring safe driving while on prescription medication. Your doctor may be able to minimize any side effects your medication causes via several different methods:

• Change medication to another that causes less sleepiness.
• Recommend a specific exercise or nutrition plan that lessens the need for medication.
• Alter the timing of doses.
• Alter the dose.

Substance abuse and DWI's are serious issues and precautions must be taken to prevent them. Learning to monitor yourself while on prescription medication is key and will prevent driving mishaps. Understanding how your body and mind react to certain medication, prior to driving, will lessen any safety complications.

Need Help With Your DWI Arrest Charges?

If your arrest occurred in Westchester County, NY, contact our DWI lawyers at this office:

Acocella Law Group
2900 Westchester Ave #405
Harrison, NY 10577
914-888-2430

If your arrest occurred in Queens, NY, contact our DWI lawyers at this office:

Acocella Law Group
31-19 Newtown Ave #901c
Queens, NY 11102
718-395-4770

If your arrest occurred in Long Island, NY, contact our DWI lawyers at this office:

Acocella Law Group
20 Crossways Park Dr #210a
Woodbury, NY 11797
203-697-8604