The hazards of drink-driving, as well as drug-driving have been well documented, but an expert has warned that many drivers are unaware of the potential dangers of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines when it comes to driving.
In March 2015 the UK drug driving law changed meaning it is now an offence to drive with certain drugs above a specified level being present in the blood.
Seventeen legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law including codeine, which is found in common over-the-counter medicines such as Nurofen Plus, Panadol Ultra and Syndol.
Suzannah Robin, Sales and Training Director for AlcoDigital, the UK’s leading supplier of breathalyzers and drug testing solutions, said:
“Everyone is familiar with the breathalyzer tests used by the police to detect alcohol, but not many people realise that the police also use roadside drug screening devices to assess whether you are fit to drive. However, where the law on alcohol is clearly defined by the quantity an individual consumes, it’s not just illegal drugs that can result in you being charged with drug driving. This is because some prescription and over-the-counter medicines produce side effects, such as drowsiness, which inhibit our reactions and consequently make driving hazardous.
“Drivers have a responsibility to themselves and to other road users to read the small print on their medication leaflets. The side effects of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs should be assessed very carefully before getting behind the wheel and drivers should be particularly mindful of how medications may react when taken together or mixed with alcohol.
“No individual can know immediately when beginning a course of treatment whether or not a new drug or drug they have taken before will affect his or her ability to drive. There are many factors at work – people metabolise drugs at different rates, and eating and drinking will also have an effect.
“Road users should be aware that driving with certain levels of these drugs in their system could result in prosecution. However, because of the differentials at work it is difficult to know what amounts of dosage would equate to being over the limit. The very real danger is finding out when it’s too late.”
Drugs to reduce anxiety such as diazepam and lorazepam as well as the drug clonazepam, which is commonly used to treat epilepsy, are also included on the government’s list of legal drugs that have potential side effects.1
Those using medications are being urged to seek advice from their healthcare provider before driving.
Suzannah Robin (left) added, “Our message to all drivers is simple: Stop. Think. Check. If you are unsure of what the potential side effects of your prescription or over-the-counter medications are then you should always consult your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice before driving.”
