Most people understand that taking any drug — whether prescription or over-the-counter — can have its share of side effects. These side effects range from mild to severe and many can alter one's ability to safely operate a vehicle. A recent study conducted in France found that 3.3 percent of auto accidents were caused by prescription drug use.
Some common drug side effects include drowsiness and dizziness, slowed reaction times, nausea, fainting and blurred vision. These prescription drug side effects can make driving difficult and dangerous. Combining different medications can also be risky, especially in older folks since the elderly are more likely to take multiple medications.
Doctors Must Inform Patients of Driving Risks Involving Medications
The most important thing people can do to prevent accidents caused by medication side effects is communicate with their medical providers as much as possible. Doctors, since they prescribe medications, and pharmacists, since they dispense them, should be responsible for informing patients of the risks involved in any given medication or combination.
Patients should always ask questions about prescribed medications and their side effects if they are unsure how the medication will affect them. Doctors may be able to adjust dosages and the timing of medications or suggest an exercise or diet regimen to help offset the side effects. Always inform pharmacists of other medications or herbal supplements you are taking, and ask them if the new drug or combination of drugs will affect driving.
Taking these steps can prevent you from getting into a car accident. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers understand how difficult it is to turn in your keys while on a prescription medication. However, we have also seen the damage that the choice to drive on a dangerous prescription medication — or a doctor's failure to inform about driving impediments caused by prescription drugs — can do.
Dangerous Combinations: Medications and Driving
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns drivers against mixing driving and certain medications. Any drug containing codeine should be avoided, as should sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Anti-anxiety medications and stimulants like diet pills and ephedrine do not mix well with driving, either.
Aside from patient-doctor communication, there are several things that the medical profession could do to help keep America's roads safer. Doctors could petition state motor vehicle offices to put restrictions on licenses of those dependent on certain prescription medications, similar to the eyewear restriction in many states. An ignition interlock device similar to those used for DUI offenders may also be helpful for prescription medication takers, since it would measure the amount of medication present in the driver's system and only start the car if the levels are safe.
The best prevention, of course, is knowing your own body and behaviors. If something seems off, do not get behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a driver who was using prescription medication at the time of the car accident, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
