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Driving on Medication as Dangerous as 'Drink Driving'

New research reveals that taking prescription drugs can be as dangerous as drinking alcohol when driving
Health, Lifestyle - 2 November 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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Research revealed that 1 in 10 drivers admitted that their ability to drive has been impaired after taking medication, whilst 3% actually admitted to having had an accident or near miss when driving under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

12% of those surveyed admitted that they did not realise they could be breaking the law if they drive while affected, with almost a third saying they regularly take medicines and drive. In fact, in some circumstances driving while impaired by medication can actually be as dangerous as ‘drink driving.’

7 out of 10 people thought that they were not given enough information about medicines and driving when given prescriptions. One in four admitted to being confused by the warnings given on medicine packaging which are often detailed at the bottom of a long list of factors. Of further concern is that 3 in 10 said they did not know how to find out if medicines were likely to affect their driving.

. Introduction:

Research has revealed worrying findings regarding prescription drugs and driving. It has raised alarm to the fact that the warnings on labels from pharmaceutical companies are often at the bottom of a long list of factors which often don’t get seen. Whilst many drivers do act responsibly, the survey highlighted the feeling that there is a lack of readily available information for those who want to know more about medication they may be taking. Even certain headache tablets can make you feel drowsy, yet often, even though the packet states ‘drowsy’ there is no warning that driving is not advisable and surprising as it may seem, many individuals wouldn’t make the connection themselves.

So just how dangerous is driving whilst on prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

Joining us in the studio is David Williams, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist.

. Suggested Questions:

What does this mean for drivers in our area?

Why do drivers ignore the warnings?

What could be the consequences of driving under the influence of prescription of over-the-counter drugs?

How can people make sure that they are driving safely when medicines have to be taken?

What would you like to see happen to improve to warnings of medicines for drivers?

Where can we find out more information?