Beware Drowsy Driving

Despite generally better roads and safer cars, the death toll from motor vehicle accidents in America continues to reach unacceptable levels.

Close on 1000 people – drivers, passengers and pedestrians – die each year and many thousands more are injured. Many become life-long invalids.

The major causes of traffic accidents are well documented – driving too fast, drink driving, and fatigue. Of these, probably the most difficult to control is driver fatigue. Certainly we can impose speed limits, provide random breath tests and legislate for the wearing of seat belts, but it’s very hard to make laws to keep us awake.

There are many factors which can contribute to feeling drowsy when driving; one which is often forgotten is medicines.

Of course, we all know alcohol can slow our reflexes even when we don’t actually feel tired. Many medicines can do this too; and taking certain medicines and drinking alcohol as well, even a small amount, may be a lethal cocktail when driving is added.

When starting a new medicine, one prescribed by your doctor or one you buy without a prescription, always check with your pharmacist about the possible side effects; and ask especially if it’s likely to cause drowsiness.

Furthermore, drowsiness is just one side effect that can affect our driving skills. Some medicines can make us dizzy, light-headed or faint. They can cause us to be angry or aggressive; to feel sick, shaky or unsteady and to have blurred or double vision. All these effects can make it unsafe for us to drive, ride or even walk! The effect may be greater if you are taking more than one medicine and when you first start on a new medicine.

Make sure you read the label on all medicines you take, and check with your pharmacist when your medicines have the following labels:

This medicine may cause drowsiness and may increase the effects of alcohol. If affected, do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery.

Or

This medicine may affect mental alertness and/or coordination. If affected, do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery.

If your medicine does affect your driving, ask your pharmacist if there is an alternative. For instance, if you get hay fever, there are now antihistamines that usually won’t make you feel drowsy.

There are also times when missing a dose of your prescribed medicine might cause problems. For example, if your medical condition, such as epilepsy, anxiety or diabetes, is not properly managed, a dangerous situation might result.