Staying safe on the road is important for all drivers, however as we get older there are physical changes which can affect our driving skills.
Prescribed medication
Many older people take prescribed medications to treat medical conditions. These medications may affect your ability to drive.
If you are required to take prescribed medication you should consider the following:
- prescribed medication can impair driving ability
- combining alcohol with prescribed medication is risky as it can affect your driving skills and mental awareness
- those who have taken medicines when drinking alcohol face twice the crash risk of those who have consumed only alcohol
- read the labels carefully, obey the directions and be aware of the warnings listed
- always consult your doctor as to the effects of your medication on your driving ability
- do not stop medication or alter your dose without speaking with your doctor.
Effects of prescribed medication:
If you are taking prescribed medication, you should be aware of the potential risk while driving. Some common side effects of prescription medications that you may experience while driving include:
- slower reaction time
- nausea
- drowsiness or tiredness
- aggression
- confusion
- dizziness or feeling faint
- poor concentration
- blurred vision
- mood changes and/or anxiety
Are you still fit to drive?
Consult with your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms while driving.
The SA Police Road Safety Centre is a leader in road safety education, playing a vital role in reducing road trauma through enhancing the awareness, knowledge, and skills of all road users through lifelong learning. For more information on the range of programs visit www.police.sa.gov.au/road-safety. To book a FREE road safety session, email SAPOL.RoadSafetySection@police.sa.gov.au.