Drivers urged not to get behind the wheel if they are on these common medications
Drivers behind the wheel while under the influence of these medications could be breaking the rules.
Motorists are being urged to “avoid driving” if they are on any of these prescription medicines in a major blow to road users. Greg Wilson, founder and spokesperson of Quotezone.co.uk stressed road users on “strong medications” will be "recommended" to not get behind the wheel.
They warned that certain medications can lead to drowsiness which would massively "affect driving ability”. Common medications such as antidepressants are among those listed as being among the most risky pills. Drug driving is a serious offence with road users at risk of an unlimited fine, a driving ban and even slapped with a criminal record.
Greg said: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving.
“Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”
Andrew Bellingham, an expert pharmacist, told Healthera that the effects of prescription drugs “vary from person to person”.
He explained: “Prescription medications can impair your ability to drive safely by affecting your coordination, reaction times, and judgement. Even if you don’t feel impaired, the medication could still be affecting you.
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“It’s against the law to drive if you’re unfit due to drugs, including prescription medication. This applies regardless of whether the drugs were prescribed by a doctor. Legal consequences can include fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment.”
GOV.UK warns that motorists must surrender their driving licence if a doctor tells them to stop driving for 3 months or more.
Individuals should also hand back their photocard and give up their freedoms if a medical condition affects motorists' ability to drive safely.
Road users are told they can apply to get their driving licence returned when drivers meet the medical standards.
Greg added: “The DVLA has an extensive list of over 110 conditions that can affect driving, so some motorists may be unaware of all of these conditions or the extent to which they can affect driving ability.
"We found some quite surprising and lesser-known conditions, some of which carry an increased risk and therefore insurance premiums can be higher – or more seriously, some ailments can even result in the driver's licence being revoked."
