Motorists are being warned by the RAC Foundation that they could be putting themselves at risk and also risking their cheap woman's car insurance, by taking over the counter medicines before driving.
At this time of year many people have to take a range of antihistamines to counteract the symptoms of hay fever and other unpleasant allergies. More than one hundred over-the-counter medicines can affect driving ability because they create an unwanted physical reaction. For example decongestants can cause dizziness and anxiety; antihistamines can cause sleepiness and delayed reaction times. Some old fashioned antihistamines can impair driving ability more than driving under the influence of alcohol. Some medicines can result in blurred vision and loss of concentration.
Taking medicines before driving without being aware of the potential physical affects can be potentially lethal. Many people are involved in car accidents every year because they fall asleep at the wheel or lose concentration. This can lead to serious injury, damage to your vehicle, an increase in woman's car insurance premiums and other serious long term implications.
London MP Andrew Dismore has presented a Bill to Parliament calling for better information for drivers about the medicines they may be taking. Motorists need to take better care when taking medicines and need to read the small print. Better labeling has been called for and wording can vary between packets. The RAC Foundation is also calling for a traffic light system on packets to show motorists what they can and cannot take before driving.