Many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, contain substances that can impair driving ability.
Prescription medications undoubtedly help many people live a more comfortable life. However, they can also have a downside, especially when it comes to driving. Many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, contain substances that can impair driving ability. These may include opioids, sedatives, anticholinergics, and even some cold medicines.
Possible Side Effects of Prescription Drugs That May Impair Driving
It’s important to know that everyone reacts differently to medication, so this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of possible side effects. With that in mind, here are three possible side effects of medication that may impair driving:
Blurred Vision
One of the most common side effects of prescription drugs is blurred vision. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including the drug itself, the dose, and the way it interacts with other medications. Blurred vision can make it difficult to read street signs, recognize faces, or even see the road in front of you. As a result, it can be extremely dangerous to drive while on certain prescription drugs.
If you experience blurred vision while taking medication, it’s important to speak with your doctor about alternative treatment options. In some cases, simply adjusting the dose or taking the drug at a different time of day may help to improve your vision. However, if your blurred vision persists, you should avoid driving until it clears.
Dizziness
Driving requires full mental and physical alertness. Unfortunately, some prescription drugs can cause dizziness, which takes away from a driver’s ability to stay alert. Dizziness can make it difficult to concentrate, and can also cause a person to feel off-balance and unsteady. As a result, people who are taking medications that cause dizziness may be at an increased risk for car accidents.
Impaired Cognitive Function
Another common side effect of prescription drugs is impaired cognitive function. This can manifest as difficulties with memory, decision-making, and other executive functions. For example, a motorist taking a sedative for anxiety may have trouble remembering the route they just drove. Someone on pain medication may have slowed reaction times and impaired judgment. The dangers of driving while impaired by prescription drugs are evident; even brief lapses in attention can result in serious accidents.
What to Do if Your Car Accident Was Caused by an Impaired Driver
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and the other driver was impaired by prescription medication, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, it generally isn’t as simple as filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer. You’ll need to table evidence that proves the other driver was impaired to get the compensation you deserve.
The experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm are here to help you collect strong evidence and build a convincing case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
