Road safety put at risk by medication?

Date: 17/6/2010

Driving while impaired by medication can be as dangerous as drink-driving.

That is the view of This Morning's resident GP Dr Chris Steele, who is backing a new initiative by GEM Motoring Assist to help raise awareness of the consequences of taking prescription medicines before getting behind the wheel.

Dr Steele - who lives and practices in south Manchester – recommended people check with a pharmacist or a doctor before they drive if they have to take regular medication.

A survey by the organisation revealed ten per cent of drivers have confessed to getting behind the wheel after consuming prescription medication and three per cent admitted to having an accident or near-miss while under the influence.

Of those quizzed, 12 per cent did not realise they risk breaking the law if they drive while affected and 33 per cent stated they regularly travelled after consuming medicines.

Chief Executive Officer of GEM David Williams also noted even certain headache tablets can make individuals feel drowsy, which could cause problems for motorists.

Earlier this week, emergency services in Bath and north-east Somerset staged a mock road traffic collision in an attempt to highlight the dangers of drink-driving.

Posted by Sarah Bailey