Prescription and Over-the-Counter
A prescription isn’t a license to drive impaired.
You visit your doctor because you trust them with your health. But many drugs, even those prescribed by a physician, can impair your ability to operate a vehicle.
With more than half of Americans using prescription medications, the risk of drugged driving is higher than any point in history. In 2007, Oklahoma witnessed the seriousness of drugged driving when our state participated in the NHTSA Roadside Survey.
In its report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that approximately one in six weekend night-time drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs that could cause impairment. To reduce the deadly hazards of drugged driving, Oklahomans should follow these tips when they consume prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Ask Your Doctor Or Pharmacist About The Effects
When you receive a medical prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it can affect your driving. These professionals know the side effects of most drugs.
Always Read The Label
Whether you take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, reading the label is crucial to your safety. This is especially true because many OTC medicines are taken without seeing a doctor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has worked to ensure that labels on OTC medicines:
- Contain easy-to-read language
- Are arranged simply and consistently
- Have information listed in the same order
If you read the OTC medicine label and still have questions about the product, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.