Drug driving is easier than you think

Drunk driving has become a well-known term over the past couple of decades, and the risks and consequences have been hammered into us. Choosing to drink and drive is just too risky even to consider. But what about drug driving?

There is growing use of recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, which impairs judgement and therefore driving ability. If caught with such drugs in your system while driving, you can expect some form of penalty from the police. However, legal drug use can also land you in hot water, even prescription drugs.

An informative article on the USwitch website makes it clear that there are many drug classes that impair your ability to drive. They include:

• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Flunitrazepam
• Lorazepam
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxazepam
• Temazepam
• Amphetamine

If the police stop you and carry out a test, as little as 50 micrograms per litre of blood (depending on the drug) can result in a driving offence. Yes, you can lose your license for taking drugs your doctor prescribed.

Over the counter medication? Some of it lists drowsiness as a side effect. If you get drowsy at the wheel, then you could be facing a dangerous driving charge.

So, read the instructions and if there's side effects that may impact your ability to drive then treat medication just like alcohol. Don't medicate and drive!