Driving while impaired (DWI) is often associated with alcohol or illegal drug use, but prescription medications can also land drivers in legal trouble. You might have assumed that if a drug is legally prescribed, it’s safe to use under all circumstances.
However, some prescriptions can limit your ability to drive safely. You might be wondering how prescription medications may affect your driving, the legal implications and how to stay informed and protected.
How prescription drugs can limit driving abilities
Certain medications can affect cognitive functions and motor skills, making it risky to go behind the wheel. Common side effects include blurred vision, dizziness or difficulty concentrating. Drugs such as painkillers, sleep aids, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can interfere with your ability to drive safely.
These impairments may not always be obvious. A driver might not feel “high” or noticeably altered but can still be unfit to drive. For example, a new medication or a change in dosage can cause unexpected side effects, temporarily increasing the risk of a crash.
Legal risks of driving on prescription medication
DWIs caused by prescription drugs can be treated the same as impairment by alcohol or illegal substances. If you are pulled over and show signs of impairment, law enforcement may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or submit to chemical testing. If it’s determined that a prescription drug compromised your ability to drive, you could be charged with DWI, even if the medication was legally prescribed and taken as directed.
How to protect yourself
The best way to avoid DWI trouble from prescription medications is to speak openly with your healthcare provider. Let them know you drive regularly and ask about any possible side effects that could impair driving. Pharmacists are also excellent resources for helping to ensure you understand how your medications might affect you.
Prescription medications are intended to improve your health, but they can also pose hidden dangers behind the wheel. Suppose you find yourself facing DWI trouble for medications that were legally prescribed to you; enlisting legal guidance can help you navigate the following legal procedures.