Warning signs that a medicated driver should not be on the road

We’ve all had to take an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication at some point at our lives, either for a short-term illness or for a chronic condition.  The problem comes when the medication has a side effect that makes driving dangerous, or if medications are combined, leading to impaired driving.

There are some signs that a driver who has taken one or more medications should not be behind the wheel.  If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, stay safe: don’t drive until the side effects are gone.  It’s not worth causing a serious traffic accident!

• Problems with reflexes: if a driver has coordinating his or her hands or feet to drive the car, or if they have a problem reading signs or navigating directions, or if they have a slowed reaction time or if they have close-calls (nearly hit something) – they should not be driving.
• Confusion on the road: if a driver appears to be driving erratically (jerky braking or acceleration, abrupt lane changes, drifting into other lanes, etc.) then it isn’t safe to drive.
• Anxiety or anger: a driver who appears very nervous or who loses his or her temper quickly should not be driving.  Anxiety, frustration, and anger can contribute to aggressive or distracted driving, two major contributors to traffic crashes in Georgia.

Don’t be afraid to speak up if you think someone you know should not be driving.  Read more about overmedicated drivers in our law library article “Are over-medicated drivers a danger on Georgia roads?”