You may or may not know that some simple medication can make you drowsy or cause a lapse in concentration. This could mean that you become at best fatigued behind the wheel and at worst responsible for a serious road traffic collision. To this end, GEM Motoring Assist has produced a new leaflet to inform drivers about this very fact:
According to a poll, 1 in 10 drivers has admitted their ability to drive was impaired after taking medication, whilst 3 per cent actually admitted to having had an accident or near miss when driving under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. 12 per cent of all those questioned also admitted to not realising they could be breaking the law if they drive while affected, with almost a third of people saying they regularly take medicines and drive.
The poll of drivers carried out by road safety expert GEM Motoring Assist, has led them to develop a new leaflet to raise awareness of the issues associated with driving whilst affected by prescription medicines.
The leaflet, which is supported by Resident GP of ITV’s This Morning, Dr Chris Steele MBE, answers questions and offers guidance on being aware of how medication can affect our driving and that it is actually illegal to drive when taking certain medicines.
Dr Chris said: “In some circumstances driving while impaired by medication can be as dangerous as ‘drink driving’. I strongly support the advice given in this leaflet that drivers taking medicine should always check with their doctor or pharmacist before they drive.”
The poll also revealed that 7 out of 10 people thought that they were not given enough information about medicines and driving when given prescriptions, and 1 in 4 admitted to being confused by the warnings given on medicine packaging.
Of further concern to GEM is the fact that 3 in 10 people said they did not know how to find out if medicines were likely to affect their driving.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist comments, “Many people taking prescribed or over the counter medication do not realise the effect this could have on them as a driver. Even certain headache tablets can make you feel drowsy, yet often, even though the packet states ‘drowsy’ there is no warning that driving is not advisable and surprising as it may seem, many individuals wouldn’t make the connection themselves.”
David Williams conlcuded: “I cannot express how worrying it is that the pharmaceutical companies do not have to indicate if driving could be a risky business. Whilst many drivers do act responsibly, our survey seemed to highlight the feeling that there is a lack of readily available information for those who want to know more about medication they may be taking. We therefore decided to produce a free informative leaflet that will put people’s minds at ease and put an end to any doubts.”
To view and download a copy of the leaflet, visit www.motoringassist.com/motoronmeds or for a free printed copy please contact GEM Motoring Assist directly on 01342 825676.
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