Can Over-The-Counter Medications Contribute to Car Accidents?

Alcohol and recreational drugs can cause significant impairment and increase the chance of motor vehicle crashes. This is part of the reason why Texas has strict laws regulating the use of substances and how much alcohol one can consume and still operate a motor vehicle. Most people are aware of the risks associated with driving while impaired.

Many people understand prescription drugs can also cause problems while driving. Despite understanding these risks, people do not exercise the same level of caution when it comes to over-the-counter medications. Think about it: The potential powerful effects of prescription medications is why a prescription is required to use them.

The mere idea of over-the-counter brings expectations to users’ minds: The medicine is so safe it does not need strict regulations to prevent complications. People understand that taking excessive amounts of over-the-counter medicines may bring illness and other problems, but that’s where the level of concern usually stops.

Over-the-counter medicines have much the same potential for risks while driving as prescription medications. There are many medicines, and even vitamins, that can lead to drowsiness and impaired focus. While that evening cold medicine may not seem like much a risk if taken before bedtime, the very same pill can present a major risk if someone consumes it before getting behind the wheel.

These sleep-inducing or focus-distracting effects can very much contribute to car accidents. In fact, such incidents can fall into the category of driving while impaired (DWI), making driving after consuming some medications just as dangerous and illegal as driving after consuming alcohol or recreational drugs.

Many types of medication, both over-the-counter and prescription, can be unsafe to take before driving. These include medicines for:

Those who receive prescriptions for such conditions should check with their doctors to determine if the medication is safe to take before driving. Those who purchase over-the-counter variants should always read the warning labels thoroughly for any information, even for vitamins and herbal medicines. If unsure, it is better to ask a physician or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel.

Drivers who cause accidents because of medication-induced drowsiness or lack of focus are still liable for the incident – the same way drunk drivers are responsible for their accidents. This can result in unfortunate compensation costs to recover any damages suffered by the victim.

Taking steps to prevent the risks can reduce the chances of such accidents occurring. It is best to always check for potential side effects of medicines that may make operating a vehicle unsafe. Drivers should avoid any such medications when they will be getting behind the wheel.

It is possible to reduce the risk of driving under the influence even for people who take medications for chronic conditions. These drivers should discuss with their doctors if it is possible to reduce the dosage, take the medicine at a different time of day with less risk, or change to a different medication that come with the side effects of causing drowsiness or lack of focus.

Plenty of causes for car crashes already exist in the world without the risks of medication impairment. Being an informed driver can go a long way to prevent possible accidents on the road. No matter how harmless the medicine may seem, it is always best to read the label thoroughly to understand the possible side effects. When in doubt, check with your physician or pharmacist, who can provide valuable insight about a medication’s side effects.

The post Can Over-The-Counter Medications Contribute to Car Accidents? appeared first on GES Injury Attorneys.