When we think of drugged driving cases, we naturally assume that the offender was smoking marijuana before driving, or was shooting heroin before getting behind the wheel. What many drivers don't know is that prescription and over-the-counter pills can also be illegal while driving if the individual is impaired as a result. You don't have to use an illegal drug to end up with a difficult DUI charge.
As a standard, all illegal drugs can result in a DUI of drugs. Also, any prescription medications that cause impairment, drowsiness, dizziness, or another side effect that could impede driving ability are not permitted. For many, this law seems impractical.
A man who wants to take his pain medication before work may decide to pop a few pills and then get in the car. When the effects of the medication hit, and he begins to swerve in his lane, a police officer may insist on a traffic stop, take the individual's blood-alcohol concentration, and then arrest that offender for a DUI of drugs. While the defendant will argue that he was only taking his morning pill, the police may not be tolerant.
There are a variety of different over-the-counter and prescription drugs that you will want to watch out for when driving. For one, individuals should never get behind the wheel after taking an antidepressant. Many Americans take antidepressants to help combat the effects of this psychological illness.
Some antidepressants are sedating, and can cause the patient to experience effects similar to inebriation. You will want to carefully read the label of your antidepressant medication to learn whether or not it has strong effects that could affect your driving ability. Some medication labels may even say that you should not take the pill and then drive.
In addition, if you take valium you should never get behind the wheel when experiencing the effects of the pill. Studies show that just 10 milligrams of this tranquilizer can cause impairment that is similar to a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent. This is above the legal limit. Also, antihistamines can slow reaction time while driving and impair coordination. In some states, an individual can be arrested for impaired driving even if his or her BAC is not above 0.08%. This is especially true when the driver is still swerving, speeding, or committing other traffic crimes out on the road.
Decongestants can also result in a DUI of drugs in some circumstances. Most of these medications are over-the-counter and they are used to clear up sinus infections or allergies. While decongestants sound innocent, they can cause extreme drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause anxiety to the driver which can lead to road rage or reckless driving habits.
It is also essential that drivers never get behind the wheel after taking a sleeping pill. These pills are meant to cause fatigue, and if a driver takes one of these there is a high probability that he or she could fall asleep behind the wheel. Even after waking up, the residual effects of a sleeping pill can leave a driver impaired for the next few hours.
Drivers also can receive a DUI if they have hydrocodone in their system when pulled over. This is a common pain reliever and is a main component in the common pain reliever Vicodin. The medication is similar to opiates and can cause impairment similar to morphine or codeine. It could never be taken before a person plans to drive. Many states have zero-tolerance policies for drugged drivers, and won't accept a drugged driver. If you want more information about how prescription medications can result in a DUI, then talk to an attorney today!