Rx Drugs are a Common Cause of Impaired Driving in California Car Accidents When we think of impaired driving, we often think of drunk driving or driving under the influence of street drugs like cocaine or meth. However, in some scenarios, prescription drugs can also leave a driver impaired. In California, prescription drugs are a common cause of car accidents. Drivers need to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent impaired driving.
How Can Prescription Drugs Impair a Driver's Ability to Drive Safely?
Prescription drugs can impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Some prescription drugs can cause drowsiness or dizziness, making it difficult to focus on the road or react quickly to changing driving conditions. Other medications can affect vision, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the car accident risk.
Rx Drugs: Contributing Factor in 12% of California's Fatal Car Accidents
According to a study conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), prescription drugs contributed to 12 percent of all fatal car accidents in California in 2018. The most commonly detected drugs in these accidents were opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants.
How to Avoid Impaired Driving Due to Prescription Drugs:
To prevent impaired driving caused by prescription drugs, drivers need to take the following steps:
Read the label: Before taking any prescription drug, drivers should carefully read the bottle's label and any accompanying information to understand the potential side effects.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist: Drivers should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about any potential side effects and how a Rx may affect their ability to drive safely.
Wait to drive: If a driver takes a medication that may impair their driving, they should wait until the effects have worn off before getting behind the wheel.
Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol: Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol can increase the risk of impaired driving and be especially dangerous.
Be aware of warning signs: Drivers should be mindful of warning signs that their medication may be impairing their driving, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
If you were in a California car accident and need help filing a claim, contact Moss Bollinger, Sherman Oaks, California injury law attorney. He's dedicated to protecting and asserting the rights of his clients. Call 866-942-7974 today for a free consultation, or contact us online.