While excessive drinking and illicit drug use tend to be the focus when discussing impaired driving, there are several other types of impairment. Legal drugs can also impair an individual’s ability to drive safely.
What types of drugs could make drivers less safe?
Strong painkillers
It’s natural for people in pain to seek relief. For severely painful conditions, individuals are often prescribed opioid painkillers like oxycodone and even morphine. While doctors should alert patients to the potential dangers of driving while using such medications, warnings may not be heeded.
Drivers on these medications may feel fatigued, dizzy and nauseated- all of which impact their ability to drive safely.
Sleep medications
Many people suffer from insomnia. For some, it’s a more long-term condition. There are prescription drugs out there that can help people get a good night’s sleep. A driver may even think that they are increasing safety by ensuring that they are well-rested before setting off the next day.
The problem is, that sleep medications can linger in the system, even a day after they have been taken. Drivers on this type of medication could still feel fatigued and drowsy the next day, which means they are a potential danger to other road users.
It’s important that drivers seek advice from their doctor when on prescription medications. Usually, the instructions and packaging on labels also contain details of potential side effects. Perhaps more importantly, individuals should refrain from driving if they feel unwell or fatigued.
If you have been injured in a crash that was caused by negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Finding accurate legal information will be pivotal to the strength of your claim.