Page 4 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – November/December 2022

MEMBER SERVICES
Driving on Potentially Impairing Medications
maintain your ability to drive safely. Options include, but aren’t limited to, timing your doses to avoid times when you need to drive, adjusting how much medication you take, or even exploring alternative medications that treat your symptoms without causing impairment.
Advocate for Yourself
Become a better advocate for yourself during
visits to the doctor, when filling a prescription at
the pharmacy, or purchasing over-the-counter medications. AAA recommends that consumers be proactive by asking the doctor or pharmacist how the medications could affect driving ability and how to avoid those risks while treating their medical condition. If the medicine is available over the counter, read the warnings, heed them, or consult a pharmacist for advice.
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But those who did receive a warning were 18% less likely to get behind the wheel after use, highlighting the potential benefit of healthcare providers’ counseling to reduce medication-impaired driving.
“Understandably, it may seem impossible for patients to maintain their independence behind the wheel and use the medications they need to stay healthy. It turns out we can achieve both goals, but not without guidance from our doctor or pharmacist,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “Our research suggests too few medical professionals provide these warnings or suggest ways patients can navigate this tough challenge.”
Anyone taking PDI medications should discuss with their doctor or pharmacist ways to preserve safe driving, such as adjusting medication doses, the timing of those
doses, or alternative medications to treat medical conditions without causing driver impairment.
For drivers, AAA recommends these safety tips to keep in mind:
Don’t Underestimate the Risks of Driving after Using Medications
Over the past three decades, society has realized the dangers associated with drunk driving. According
to the latest AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index, most drivers (94.5%) consider driving after drinking alcohol very or extremely dangerous. But, only 87% feel the same about driving after using potentially impairing medications.
Be Aware of Your Options
With advice from your doctor or pharmacist, you can successfully treat your medical condition and
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022