Driving While Medicated Poses Risks for Those 55 and Older

March 2010

A new study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and issued by AAA found that many older drivers are taking to the roads unaware that their medications may hinder their driving ability.

The study found that 69 percent of drivers ages 55 and older take one or more potentially driver impairing (PDI) medications, such as ACE inhibitors, sedatives, and beta blockers. Over-the-counter products may also cause problems, as the active ingredients in many allergy drugs are the same as those found in many sleep medications.

The study urges health care professionals to emphasize the dangers of medicinally impaired driving, since only 18 percent of those surveyed recall being warned of the risks. With most accident situations leaving less than a half second of reaction time to avoid a crash, it's important for older drivers to become increasingly aware of the risks of driving while medicated.