Can Prescription Drugs Lead to Car Accidents?
Modern medicine relies heavily on prescription drugs to help millions cope with chronic conditions and recover from disease. Unfortunately, many prescription medications have debilitating side effects that impair one’s driving ability. A critical question arises: can prescription drugs be blamed as a cause of car accidents?
The answer is simple: yes. Studies have demonstrated an association between the use of prescription drugs and increased traffic crash risk. Some reports even indicate that use of prescription drugs is contributing to more crashes than alcohol. The Kansas car wreck lawyers at Patterson Legal Group give you the facts you need on prescription drugs and car accidents.
Why Do Prescription Drugs Affect One’s Ability to Drive?
There are several reasons why taking prescription drugs poses a danger on the road:
- Sedation: Most medications, especially those used for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, can cause drowsiness and sedation. This significantly impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination, such that common changes on the road cannot be appropriately responded to.
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness: There are medicines that further cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which could lead to loss of balance and difficulties in maintaining a straight line while driving.
- Blurry Vision: Some medicines have effects on vision and create issues with seeing clearly, especially at night or when light is poor.
- Confusion and Disorientation: Some medicines create confusion and disorientation. This leads to difficulty concentrating on driving and following the rules of the road.
- Less Alertness: Many types of medicines make one less alert and aware of what’s happening; as such, it becomes very difficult to stay on the road and pay attention to potential risks.
How to Mitigate Risk with Prescription Drugs and Car Accidents
If you’ve taken prescription drugs, then you need to know how hazardous they are for driving. Here is a set of recommendations to help you reduce this danger:
- Talk with Your Doctor: Your doctor can tell you more about a drug’s possible side effects, including problems with driving.
- Read your Medicine Label: Read the medicine label and any package or insert for information about possible side effects and warnings.
- Take the Lowest Effective Dose: If possible, take the lowest dose of a drug that will help. Taking higher doses than necessary increases your risk for side effects.
- Avoid Peak Time: If you feel drowsy or experience other side effects of this medication, do not drive at peak times when the roads are most packed.
- Take Breaks: Take more breaks to rest and remain alert.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can dangerously interact with many medications, which would raise your risk of having an accident.
- Alternative Transport: If your medication significantly impairs your driving ability, consider alternative transportation, including the use of public transportation, rideshare services, or designating a driver.
Contact a Kansas Car Accident Lawyer Today
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we’re proud to give people the information they need on prescription drugs and car accidents, and we’re here for you if you’ve been involved in a car wreck. Our dedicated team of trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those hurt in accidents in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We will fight for you and your child every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by giving us a call at (888) 687-2400 or filling out an encrypted contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “no win, no fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today to begin your free, no obligation consultation.
