Most drivers understand the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. However, many people do not realize that driving under the influence of prescription medications can be equally dangerous.
Table of Contents
- How Can Prescription Medication Affect My Driving?
- What Types of Prescription Medication Could Lead to a Car Accident?
- What Symptoms Could Lead to an Accident After Taking Prescription Medication?
- Is It Illegal To Drive After Taking Prescription Medication?
- What Should I Do if I’m Injured Due to a Driver Being on Prescribed Medication?
- How Can Drivers Prevent Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Medication?
- Call Roden Law After You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident
Discover how prescribed medications can impact your driving ability. Below, our Charleston car accident lawyers discusses the types of prescription medication that could lead to car accidents and steps to take if you are involved in a car accident with a driver under the influence of prescription medication.
If you have been injured in a car crash, seek medical attention immediately and legal counsel from a trusted attorney. At Roden Law, we can help you determine your legal options so that you can pursue legal actions.
Request your FREE case review today: 1-844-RESULTS.
How Can Prescription Medication Affect My Driving?
Effects from prescription medication can cause drivers to swerve in and out of lanes or loose control of their vehicle. Even medications prescribed by trusted healthcare professionals can create dangerous driving conditions if not carefully managed.
Prescription medications can significantly impair driving performance by:
- Causing drowsiness or sedation
- Reducing reaction times
- Blurring vision
- Causing dizziness
- Impairing cognitive function
- Decreasing motor coordination
What Types of Prescription Medication Could Lead to a Car Accident?
Several categories of prescription medications can compromise driving safety, such as:
- Opioids: Used for managing pain and can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times and impaired coordination.
- Benzodiazepines: Medications like Xanax and Valium could be prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, which can lead to drowsiness, dizziness and poor judgment.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft are used to treat depression but can lead to dizziness or blurred vision.
- Antihistamines: This medication is used for allergies and cold symptoms. Drugs like Benadryl can cause drowsiness and reduced concentration.
- Sleep Medications: Medication for individuals who have trouble sleeping can cause drivers to feel drowsy. For example, Ambien is a common sleep medication that is known for increasing the risk of accidents.
What Symptoms Could Lead to an Accident After Taking Prescription Medication?
Recognizing potential driving risks involves understanding specific symptoms:
- Excessive yawning or feeling extremely tired
- Difficulty maintaining lane position
- Delayed reaction to traffic signals or sudden movements
- Feeling disconnected or “foggy”
- Feeling unusually relaxed or disoriented
Is It Illegal To Drive After Taking Prescription Medication?
In South Carolina, driving under the influence (DUI) laws still apply to prescription medications if they impair your ability to drive safely. While having a valid prescription is legal, driving while impaired is not.
Under Section 56-5-2930, this law states that it is illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of any substance, including prescription medication, if it impairs your ability to drive safely.
Even with a valid prescription, you can be legally responsible if your medication causes a car accident. Law enforcement can still charge you with:
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Negligent operation of a vehicle
What Should I Do if I’m Injured Due to a Driver Being on Prescribed Medication?
Proving medication-related impairment requires thorough investigation and gathering evidence. If you have been injured in a car crash because another driver was impaired from prescribe medication, it is highly recommended to seek medical attention and reach out to a licensed car accident attorney. They can help you with filing a claim and navigating the complex legal process.
If you have been involved in an accident potentially caused by prescription medication, take these steps:
- Document everything at the accident scene
- Get diagnostic tests for your injuries
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Request a copy of the police report
- Keep all medical records
How Can Drivers Prevent Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Medication?
Before drivers operate a vehicle, it is important that they know the preventative measures that they need to take to avoid any road hazards.
Some steps that can be taken to prevent impaired driving due to prescription medications are:
Understanding Your Medication
Always read the label and warnings on your prescription medications. Look for any indications that the medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness or impair your ability to drive.
Consult Your Doctor
Ask your healthcare if your medication might affect your driving. They can provide you with guidance on when to take your medication and whether it is safe to drive while under certain medications.
Monitor Your Reaction
Everyone’s body react differently to medication. Pay attention to how you feel after taking your medication. If you experience any symptoms such as drowsiness or blurred vision, avoid driving.
Avoid Mixing Medication
Be cautious about taking multiple medications at once. Sometimes the combination of multiple medications could increase the risk of impairment. Also, avoid mixing medication with alcohol as it can cause you to become impaired before you drive.
Plan Ahead
If you know that you have to take medication that could impair your ability to drive, take alternative transportation like Uber, a public transit or ask a friend or family member for a ride.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date with any new information about your medications and their potential side effects. Your pharmacist can provide you with resourceful information.
Call Roden Law After You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident
Prescription medication-related accidents are complex and requires the help of trusted car accident attorneys. At Roden Law, we understand the complexities of these cases. Our experienced attorneys can gather critical evidence and fight for your right to compensation.
Do not navigate these challenging legal steps alone. Contact Roden Law today for a free consultation. You can ask us questions about your specific incident without any upfront costs or fees. If we determine that you have a case and we represent you, we do not charge for any legal services. We only get paid if you do.
Call today to schedule your FREE consultation: 1-844-RESULTS