Is Driving Sick as Dangerous as Driving Drunk?
It’s the time of year when people start giving more than just gifts. People are handing more than presents to their friends and family. They are also sharing illness. Head colds and the flu are passed between people easily and quickly. While some people avoid taking medicine, waiting for their illness to resolve on its own, others turn to over-the-counter remedies in order to alleviate their symptoms.
What happens when a person takes a cold or flu remedy and then gets behind the wheel? It’s important to understand that driving under the influence encompasses more than just alcohol and illegal drugs. States have determined that driving under the influence of any substance that inhibits a person’s abilities to drive safely is illegal. This includes cold and flu medicine.
If you are like most people, cold and flu medicine can leave you feeling drowsy. Many people describe a foggy feeling after taking this type of medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter. This is because most of these remedies act as a depressant to the system. People who take medication prior to driving may be doing so at their own risk.
Any person who is taking cold or flu medication is urged to treat driving just as they would if they were consuming alcohol. Avoid driving if possible. Here are some ways that you can get where you need to go safely.
1. Ride Sharing Apps
You may not rely on them frequently, but taking a cold or flu medication is a good reason to utilize a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Whether you need to go to work, school or an important appointment, these services are useful.
2. Designated Driver
Ask a friend or family member to take you where you need to go. Those close to you are probably more than happy to make sure you get to your destination safely.
3. Public Transportation
If there is public transportation available in your area, opt to take it instead of driving yourself. Whether you choose a bus or the train, you are far more likely to arrive at your destination without having been in an accident than if you had driven yourself.
Many people do not stop to consider the effects of cold or flu medicine before they get behind the wheel. Anyone who takes this type of medicine and feels drowsy or otherwise affected should not drive a car. Not only do you face the risk of injuring someone or damaging property, but you are risking being pulled over and charged with driving under the influence.
If you are charged with driving under the influence in DeKalb County, our experienced team of attorneys can help to ensure that you are treated fairly. Do not risk your freedom in a court of law by attempting to defend yourself against such serious charges. Reach out to our office today and schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation or browse our website for more information about our firm and the types of cases we handle.
