Are you drug-driving on your prescription hayfever medication?

19 June 2023

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has revealed what it calls a ‘hidden epidemic’ of drug driving in which people are unaware of the legal limit of over-the-counter medication to take whilst driving.

The charity conducted a survey of more than 2,000 motorists which found that:

• Almost a third of drivers are unaware of the maximum dose of a prescription medication – such as painkillers, antidepressants and antihistamines - before it impacts their ability to drive.
• 31 per cent of those surveyed did not know how long they should wait before driving after taking medication.
• 22 per cent said they rarely or never check whether their prescription medication will impact their ability to drive.
• 28 per cent admitted they are unlikely to avoid driving after taking medication – even those which come with a warning.

IAM RoadSmart has called for a review of the prescription process to increase awareness and reduce drug-driving in the UK. In Australia, medication packaging is legally required to display a visible warning if a driver could be impaired by the substance, and France has implemented a colour-coded system on medication labels to highlight potential risks and side-effects.

The NHS estimates that 10 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, with many using prescription medicines to relieve symptoms.
 
However, side effects of these medications can include drowsiness, light-headedness, shakes and dizziness – all of which impair a person’s ability to drive.
 
When it comes to legal limits for driving, the law does not distinguish between illegal and prescription drugs. Pharmacists have warned drivers to follow the advice of their GP in order to avoid failing road-side drug tests.
 
Motorists caught drug-driving can receive a minimum driving ban of 12 months, and unlimited fine and up to six months in prison with a criminal record.

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