Car Insurance
Medicines 'could impair driving'
Fri, 12 May 2006
Many drivers are unwittingly putting both themselves and other road users at risk by taking simple over-the-counter medicines before driving, research suggests.
Research from driver's group the RAC Foundation shows that many treatments for hayfever – including antihistamines and decongestants – contain active ingredients that could impair driving ability.
Around ten per cent of motorists said that they used such drugs whilst driving, unaware that they can have a range of side-effects, including dizziness, anxiety or sleepiness.
In fact, some of the stronger medicines were actually found to be more detrimental to driving ability than being over the alcohol limit – not good news if you want to keep hold of that no claims bonus and get a cheap car insurance deal.
Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, said that something needed to be done to improve the situation
"We believe that a clear, eye-catching system is needed to warn motorists about the risks of mixing certain medicines and driving," he said.
"It is easy to believe that a medicine sold over the counter is a safe medicine, but motorists should always read the small print before taking to the road."
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