Few things may be as stressful as being accused of driving while under the influence. While most drivers may associate such issues with alcohol consumption, this might not be the only thing that could trigger similar results. In some cases, even certain prescription or over-the-counter medications could prompt impairment.
Driving while under the effects of these medications can not only be dangerous, but it could also place you at risk of facing dire legal challenges. Knowing how medications could affect your driving capabilities could help you take steps to ward off safety hazards and protect against allegations of impaired driving.
Effects of medications
Understanding the side effects of your medications could prove vital to knowing whether it is safe to operate a motor vehicle. Some of the ways medications could impact your ability to drive may include:
- Bouts with fatigue: Some medications could carry side effects that make you more prone to bouts with fatigue. Driving while under the effects of drowsiness or fatigue might not be advisable.
- Visual impairment: There are also various types of medications that could disrupt your vision. Issues such as blurry vision could affect your ability to track nearby objects or detect potential dangers.
- Coordination and reactions: Driving while under the influence of medications that disrupt your coordination and motor skills or reduce reaction times could also prompt devastating results.
- Lack of attention: Some medications could also make it more difficult for you to concentrate on the task at hand. The presence of these effects could place you at greater risk of exhibiting signs of impairment.
The effects of certain prescription or OTC medications may present with various signs of impairment, and if you are involved in a traffic stop while under these effects, the results could prove devastating.
Drugged driving allegations
Drugged driving convictions can carry severe penalties that could have a significant impact on your life. If you stand accused of similar offenses, you might be uncertain of what to expect from this process or about the next steps to take to help safeguard your future interests. Seeking advice in addressing your legal rights and options could help you prepare to make informed choices about your case. This could be an integral component of developing a strategy with which to seek the best outcome possible regarding your future in Pennsylvania.