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Winter is here, and that means a lot of people will catch a cold. Winter diseases are everywhere, but there is usually some kind of medicine you can take to feel better. However, did you know that a lot of these medicines - designed to help you - might put you at risk of a drug conviction on the roads? A lot of medicines and painkillers can make you dangerous on the roads. Your judgement can change when you are under the influence of pain medication, for example. You might take risks that you would normally avoid. In England, Wales and Scotland, it’s actually a crime to drive with certain pain medication in your blood - if you’re over the safe limits, that is.
Criminal Records and Bans.
If you are convicted for driving under the influence of drugs, you could get a driving ban for at least one year, and a criminal record. These substances show up in prescription drugs you can use all the time - so you need to be careful. You might also be given an unlimited fine, a record on your license for the next 11 years, and even spend six months in prison. If you cause death by your careless driving - an extreme outcome - then you could find yourself facing a life sentence. It’s a serious matter, and it’s made harder by the fact that several major painkillers and other similar substances are all part of the list to watch out for.
What to Look Out For
There’s actually a few different substances to think about when it comes to drug driving. For example, a lot of common painkillers cause drowsiness because they contain codeine. Here is a full list of things that you should not be driving on if you’ve been prescribed: amphetamine - for example dexamphetamine or selegiline, clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, methadone morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, oxazepam and temazepam. You really do have to be careful with things like this, because if the police suspect that you are driving under the influence, they have the right to stop you and perform a drug test. Considering that this type of conviction will see your insurance costs likely to go out, and it could get you in trouble with your employer if you are driving for work purposes, so it’s important to be sensible when using prescription drugs. Always follow the recommended dosage, and try not to drive if they create adverse effects in you. Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a driver to be careful when taking over the counter and prescription medication, and to make sure that you are being safe. The police will not hesitate to distribute fines and other legal sanctions if you are discovered to be driving over the recommended dosage for prescription medication. You need to know before you start taking the medication whether or not it is safe to drive on. Always consult with your doctor if you’re not sure.
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