AAA: Many Drivers Hit the Road on Potentially Impairing Medications

A national survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals many Americans admit to taking one or more potentially impairing medications before getting behind the wheel. Read the Full Report 

AAA’s study focused on commonly used medications such as antihistamines, cough medicines, antidepressants, prescription pain medicines, muscle relaxants, sleep aids and amphetamines. These are identified as potentially driver impairing (PDI) medications.

PDIs put drivers at risk by causing nausea, sleepiness, blurred vision, slowed reaction time and attention problems. While the side effects can vary by individual, these medications have the ability to reduce a person’s ability to drive safely.

Throughout the course of a 30 day period, about half of Americans reported using a potentially driver impairing medication. During that same 30-day period:

• Nearly half (45%) of those who reported using one or more PDI medications admitted to driving within two hours of using at least one medication.
• *63% of people who reported taking two or more PDI medications (within 30 days) drove within two hours of a dose.
• *71% of drivers who reported taking three or more PDI medications (within 30 days) drove within two hours of a dose.
• The data is from a national survey of U.S. residents ages 16+ with a driver’s license who reported driving and taking the corresponding medicine (or number of medicines) within a 30 day period, weighted to reflect the U.S. population. *Not necessarily at the same time.

“Impaired driving is often associated with alcohol or illegal drug use, but over-the-counter or prescription medications can also compromise your ability to drive safely,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Unfortunately, not everyone realizes their medications can impair their driving and make the mistake of getting behind the wheel.”

Source: AAA press release