You Oughta Know – But Too Many Do Not!
A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but too many drivers are unaware medicine can affect their driving, says AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
In a recent study, the Foundation found nearly half of surveyed drivers reported taking a potentially impairing medication in the past month. More concerning, however, is many of these drivers weren’t warned by healthcare professionals about the medication’s impact on driving.
The study focused on over-the-counter drugs and prescribed medications that treat allergies, coughs, depression, pain, sleep issues, muscle cramps, and attention deficit disorder. Dizziness, sleepiness, fainting, blurred vision, slow movements, and attention problems were some of the potential adverse effects, even though symptoms vary among people.
The AAA study also reported:
- More than 40% of drivers who take antihistamines, cough medicines and antidepressants reported they didn’t receive warnings from their medical provider or pharmacist about the impact on driving.
- The same applied to more than 20% of those using prescription pain medications, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, barbiturates, and tranquilizers
- Those who did receive a warning were less likely to get behind the wheel after prescription use.
“People generally know drinking and driving don’t mix,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “But only 1 in 8 drivers in this study didn’t feel the same about driving after using potential impairing medications and we’re dosing before driving.”
The AAA research suggests too few medical professionals provide adequate warnings how patients can maintain independence behind the wheel while using the medications they need to stay healthy.
“Healthcare providers should provide consistent, clear advice about the dangers of mixing medications with driving,” Mayko said. “More important, however, drivers need to be their own safety advocate and ask these professionals what the best ways are to treat medical conditions while maintaining the ability to drive safely.”
Options can be as simple as having a doctor finetune dosages, adjust the timing of doses, or offer alternative drugs that treat symptoms without causing impairment.
For more information on the study, read the latest AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index.