Besides alcohol, many other drugs can affect the ability to drive safely. These drugs can have effects like those of alcohol or even worse.
This is true of many prescription drugs and even many of the drugs bought over the counter without a prescription.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Over-the-counter drugs taken for headaches, colds, hay fever, or other allergies or those to calm nerves can make you drowsy and affect your driving.
Pep pills, “uppers,” and diet pills can make you feel nervous, dizzy, unable to concentrate, and they can affect your vision.
Always check the label on the product before taking an over-the-counter drug for warnings about its effect. If unsure whether it is safe to take the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects.
Prescription Drugs
Some prescription drugs can impact driving and can affect reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness in ways like alcohol.
Prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, pain reducers, sleep aids, and sedatives, have an impact on driving safely.
Check the label on the prescription and packaging before you take a drug for warnings about its effect. If unsure whether it is safe to take the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects.
Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs can impact driving and can affect reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness in ways like alcohol. Studies have shown that people who use marijuana make more mistakes, have more trouble adjusting to glare, and get arrested for traffic violations more than other drivers.
Combining Alcohol and Other Impairing Drugs
Never drink alcohol while taking other drugs. These drugs could multiply the effects of alcohol or have additional effects of their own. You cannot drink alcohol or use other impairing drugs and operate a vehicle safely.
