Drivers taking three different types of medication have been urged to check the label before they get behind the wheel to avoid accidents and serious fines.
Whilst medications are often the fastest ways to overcome or manage a condition, the DVLA requires those taking a long list of medicines and tablets to inform them, sometimes leading to driving restrictions or a temporary ban.
Greg Wilson, CEO of the insurance price comparison service Quotezone recommended that drivers reach out to the DVLA as soon as possible if their medication’s label features a certain phrase.
He advised: “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’.”
Whilst the majority of medications are largely harmless, some can lead to drowsiness or disorientation, which can have a major impact on a person’s ability to drive a car.
Those that do get behind the wheel could have a worsened perception of space, increasing the likelihood of denting or scraping their vehicle, as well as longer reaction times.
Before they take to the roads, drivers should check any medication that they take for the phrase ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ or visit the DVLA’s website to see if they need to inform the organisation.
The NHS noted that these issues can be particularly apparent in some forms of antidepressants, particularly if a driver takes them for the first time.
They explained: “Some antidepressants can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, particularly when you first start taking them.
“If you do experience these problems, you should not drive or use tools and machinery.”
In addition to running the risk of causing serious accidents, those who drive a car after taking medication that could make them drowsy could get into serious trouble with the law.
Motorists who are taking medications that the DVLA are unaware of could receive a fine of up to £1,000 and may be prosecuted if it led to an accident.
The DVLA updates their list of medications regularly, meaning drivers should check their website often to make sure they are not breaking the law.
