Some over-the-counter medications can interfere with cognitive processing and physical response time. For example, cough syrup, decongestants, antihistamines, sleep aids, and more might result in delayed response time, increased instances of distraction, and heightened risks for an accident.
Frighteningly, a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety suggests nearly half of the drivers on the road are under the influence of one or more of these medications.
Around 50 percent of the drivers involved in this study reported taking a “potentially driver impairing” (PDI) medication before driving during the 30-day survey period. In addition, just over 63 percent admitted to using two or more of these medications, while nearly 71 percent admitted to using three or more before driving.
The study considered a range of PDI medications but found that cough syrup and antihistamines were the most commonly used. However, the study also found that people using these medications are often unaware of the dangers they pose, even when they are clearly outlined on the medication’s packaging and expanded on in the directions in the box.
Being unaware of a medication’s potentially intoxicating effects does not absolve a person of responsibility when an accident they cause results in harm to someone else.
If you have been injured or an impaired driver has killed someone you love – even if that impairment was from an OTC medication – you can seek compensation through legal action.
Kelleher Law is Here to Help
Impaired drivers cause thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year. Some cases involve substances, such as alcohol or marijuana, which are illegal to use before driving. Many others involve OTC or prescription medications that the driver did not know could cause impairment.
Liability in these accidents may fall on a pharmacist or doctor. It may also fall on the patient. We are prepared to investigate your accident to determine where liability should lie and to hold each party to account as we seek maximum compensation for your damages.
Please call 833-546-3675 to schedule your complimentary case review with Keleher Law. We have offices in Naples, Ft. Myers, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. We serve families living throughout these areas.
