Many people rely on prescription medication to manage various health conditions. Some of these medications are life-saving and necessary for maintaining health. While these medications can improve quality of life and help manage chronic illnesses, certain prescription drugs can impact your driving ability. According to AAA, prescription drugs are the most frequently detected substances in drivers involved in fatal crashes, appearing in 46.5% of cases. In this blog, our Quad Cities car accident lawyers discuss how prescription drugs lead to car accidents.
How Prescription Drugs Lead to Car Accidents
Prescription medications can affect driving in several ways. Many medications are necessary to manage chronic conditions and should not be skipped or started without consulting a doctor. However, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with taking certain medications while driving.
Some prescription medications might have side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Cognitive impairment
- Issues with coordination and motor skills
- Mood changes
- Increased risk-taking behaviors, like reckless driving and speeding
These drug side effects can lead to car accidents and impair driving ability. When beginning a new prescription drug, be aware of any side effects that might impact driving ability. Remember to discuss your medications with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Prescription Drugs Lead to Car Accidents: Types and Risks
Several common prescription drug types might lead to car accidents and that can impact driving ability, including:
| Type of Drug | Uses | Examples | Side Effects That Can Impact Driving Ability |
| Benzodiazepines | Anxiety Sleep disorders Seizures | Xanax Valium Ativan | Sedation Delayed reaction times Dizziness Confusion Impaired coordination |
| Antihistamines | Allergies Colds Nausea/vomiting Motion sickness | Benadryl Chlor-Trimeton Phenergan Dramamine | Drowsiness Dizziness Blurred vision Slowed reaction times |
| Opioids | Pain management | OxyContin Percocet Vicodin | Drowsiness Confusion Nausea Slowed reaction times |
| Stimulants | ADHD and Narcolepsy | Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse | Restlessness Anxiety Increased energy/focus that may lead to riskier driving behaviors |
| Antidepressants | Depression and anxiety | Zoloft Prozac Paxil | Dizziness Sedation Delayed reflexes |
| Muscle Relaxants | Muscle pain/spasms | Soma Robaxin | Drowsiness |
This list does not include all prescription drugs that lead to car accidents in the Quad Cities, and it is important to remember that people respond to medication differently. Being prescribed a specific medication doesn’t automatically mean your driving ability will be affected or that you are prohibited from driving. However, drugs lead to car accidents if they impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Consider the side effects of your prescription medications before driving. Before beginning any medication that might have the potential to impact driving ability, discuss potential side effects with your doctor and how to manage them.
How Drugs Lead to Car Accidents: Prevention
If you are taking any type of prescription drug that can lead to side effects that cause car wrecks, there are some things to consider to keep both yourself and others on the road safe:
- Read medication labels for any side effects.
- Before taking any new prescription medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to drive and if the time of day or if the medication can be taken with food can minimize side effects.
- Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you.
- Avoid mixing alcohol or other substances with certain medications. Driving under the influence of impairing medications can carry the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Adjust your driving habits. Avoid distractions and be careful driving at night or during inclement weather.
- If you are unsure how a medication will affect you, arrange for someone else to drive you or use a rideshare service.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident Caused by Prescription Drugs?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a driver under the influence of prescription drugs, there are several steps you need to take in order to keep yourself safe and to preserve evidence for a successful personal injury claim:
- Alert law enforcement and file a police report. Give them all the details, and be sure to mention any suspicions of drug use. Drivers under the influence of prescription drugs may exhibit behaviors such as swerving, delayed reactions, erratic braking, or difficulty staying within their lane.
- If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and statements.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Your health is a priority; seek immediate medical care, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Gather evidence related to the accident, such as medical records and accident reports.
- Lastly, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in the Quad Cities.
Drugs lead to car accidents when they impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, and proving that prescription drug use caused a crash can be complex. An experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.
Injured by a Driver Using Prescription Drugs? Contact WKC Law
Prescription drugs lead to car accidents in numerous ways. Knowing both the side effects of specific prescriptions can help prevent car accidents and even fatalities. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another, our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys will help you pursue a fair settlement. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.