Colorado State Patrol Warns Medications Can Impair Driving During Cold and Flu Season

Description: Colorado State Patrol reminds drivers that prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction time and impaired driving...

There’s More Than One Way to Be Under the Influence

Drowsy side effects

(COLORADO)—Flu and cold season could be days or weeks away and while most people are aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, not everyone considers the possible impacts of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Many legal and commonly used OTC and prescription drugs can affect a person’s ability to operate machinery, including driving a vehicle. 

“If you are taking a medication, especially if it is new or a higher dose, you should not drive until you understand the effect it has on your judgment, coordination and reaction time,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Read the labels and follow them. Some medications may not affect you on their own, but if taken with alcohol or a second medication, they may cause impairment.”

Many medications can cause side effects including drowsiness, slow reaction times, nausea and blurred vision. According to the National Safety Council drowsy driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol and can make drivers three times more likely to be in a car crash if they are fatigued.

All medications have potential side effects. That’s why it is critical to watch for any signs of change and talk to your doctor and pharmacist about how your driving may be affected. For example, prescription pain relievers can commonly cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times and impaired coordination. Prescription sleep aids can come with significant next-day drowsiness and reduced concentration. And even over-the-counter cold and allergy medications can slow reaction time and cause mild confusion.

If you do notice signs of drowsiness, pull over and take a 20-minute nap in a safe place. The National Sleep Foundation provided some of the top signs of drowsy driving that are similar to signs of drunk driving

• Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking
• Frequent yawning
• Daydreaming and trouble focusing
• Drifting back and forth between lanes
• Hitting a rumble strip
• Drooping head
• Poor recall of the last few miles
• Missing signs or exits 
• Restlessness, irritability, and aggressiveness, including tailgating

In addition to a no-tolerance approach to enforcing DUI laws, the Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver faces after a DUI arrest as part of its “DUI Lasts Longer Than…” campaign during the holiday season (October 1 through New Year’s Day). Don’t Underestimate Impairment. Making a good decision “in the moment” while already intoxicated is unlikely. Don’t underestimate the consequences of this choice, and plan ahead for a sober ride.

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