Many medications will say that you should not take them if you are going to be operating heavy machinery. The medication can have serious side effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Lack of coordination
- Slowed movements
- Poor reaction times
When people read the instructions, they often think of power tools on a construction site or heavy equipment like forklifts or excavators. And it is true that workers need to be aware of these restrictions. If a worker is sick and taking medication, they shouldn’t use these tools while doing so.
But the main thing to remember for the majority of people is that your car counts as heavy machinery. The warning on the medication is telling you not to drive.
What happens if you do it anyway?
Many people don’t realize that they’re not supposed to drive and may do so anyway, which could lead to an impaired driving arrest. Police can make an arrest if there’s evidence of impairment from any substance. It doesn’t have to be alcohol or an illegal drug. Simply using medication before driving could be enough.
Another thing to remember is that mixing certain medications with alcohol can exaggerate the effect. If you’re taking a medicine that is a blood thinner, for instance, is it going to make you feel much more intoxicated after just a single drink?
Your defense options
Not only is it important to understand how these impaired driving laws are written, but you also need to know what legal defense options you have if you are facing charges. It can help to have an experienced team on your side.