Drugs and Driving
You would never think that anyone would drive a car after taking drugs, but in the northeast, there is a worrying trend in the number of young people driving under the influence of drugs. We know this, through research, and also through the casualty statistics. Driving under the influence of drugs, whether the drugs are illegal or from your Doctor or pharmacist, is as dangerous as drink driving, and carries the same penalties.
It’s a great feeling when you drive a car for the first time, and even better when you pass your test. It brings you a new freedom and independence. But new drivers are a very vulnerable group. You are new to the road, with little experience but with an urge to test yourself out, to push yourself as far as you can. This is when you get into the danger zone. Taking drugs and driving pushes you into the danger zone much quicker and easier. You may feel more confident and take greater risks. You may even feel indestructible. Of course those feelings would not be so great if you killed someone in the process. It is important for your own safety and the safety of others around you that you understand and are aware of the dangers of takings drugs, and even worse taking drugs and driving.
In 2002, Durham Police tested drivers who had been killed in car crashes for drugs and alcohol. They found that nearly half of these drivers had some kind of drug in their system, which may have affected their driving. Some of these drugs were illegal. The Police and the Councils in the northeast have joined together to try and tackle the problem, and since 2003, an award winning campaign has been running to warn young people of the dangers.
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Drugs affect your mind and body in many ways, and can seriously affect your driving, even though you think you are driving well. The effects can last for hours or even days. So even if you think the drug has worn off, the Police can still detect it in your bloodstream days after. They now carry out tests at the roadside to help them decide whether you are fit to drive or not. If they suspect you have taken drugs, you will be arrested and blood tests will be taken. The penalties are the same as for drinking and driving. You could face a minimum of a one-year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison. If you kill someone whilst drug driving, you could spend many years behind bars. Is it really worth the risk? If you travel as a passenger in a car, do you really know the driver well enough? Do you know if they have taken drugs? Do you want to be a victim of drug driving, even if you haven’t taken drugs? It’s not cool to be killed or seriously injured. If you suspect your driver is taking drugs do not travel with them. If you want to know much more about the north east campaign, and more about drug driving visit Drug Driving It is not always illegal drugs that cause problems. The main culprits that can effect driving are cough medicines such as Benylin. There are a number of different types of medicines that must be dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist. Beware of all cough medicines.
If you take antihistamines for whatever reason, you may be at risk when driving. Many antihistamines cause drowsiness, which can have devastating effects when driving.
You should also be aware that some antihistamines contain the equivalent to one unit of alcohol. So, take your hay fever remedy in the afternoon, call in for a half of beer before you go home, and you could be over the limit to drive. You may even fall asleep at the wheel on the way home. Research suggests that around 50% of drivers killed or injured have some form of drug in their system, which could have affected their driving.
Other medicines to look out for are anti depressants e.g. Prozac and painkillers e.g. Codydramol. Drugs such as antibiotics, Paracetemol, and Ibuprofen do not affect driving.
Advice? The onus is on you to clarify with the doctor/pharmacist what is the best product for your condition and what adverse effects it might have on you. Always ask. Read the label for every medicine/tablet you take. If in doubt about the effects, do not drive.
If you have elderly relatives, friends or neighbours who still drive, please pass the advice on to them. Ask them to check their medications and talk to their GP’s about the possible effects on their driving.
