Experts have issued a warning
Motorists may need to ask their doctor(Image: Reach PLC)
Leading experts have warned that motorists may be told to “avoid driving” if they are taking three medications. Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance specialists at Quotezone.co.uk, suggested that motorists on certain “strong medications” would likely be advised not to drive.
Almost all medications carry potential side effects, with many prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies being more potent than patients might realise. The experts emphasised that pills that claim to cause “drowsiness” could pose a problem for those planning to travel.
They also highlighted that common medications such as antidepressants could be a cause for concern. Greg said: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving.
“Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”
According to GOV.UK, drivers should ask their doctor about whether they should drive or not if they’ve been prescribed one of several drugs, reports the Express. It comes as officials have identified substances such as amphetamines – including dexamphetamine and selegiline – as potentially concerning.
Drivers have been urged to look at the list if they take pills(Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)
As well as this, individuals using medications like clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, or methadone may also be at risk. Drivers prescribed morphine, opioid-based drugs, oxazepam, or temazepam should consult their doctor before travelling.
GOV.UK adds: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving. It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.”
According to Mind, police officers will be able to test motorists who they believe have consumed legal drugs beyond the specified thresholds. They emphasise that drivers who are taking prescribed medication properly and have not experienced any adverse effects may be safe to carry on driving.
They clarified: “If you’re taking your medicine as directed by your doctor and your driving is not impaired, then you aren’t breaking the law. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine for information on how it might affect your driving. You may wish to avoid driving while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you.”