Don’t Let a Cold Pill Cause a Catastrophe The Truth About Medications and Driving

Dear Reader,

I’d like you to imagine this…It’s early morning, and you’re rushing to get to work. You’ve been battling a cold, so you pop a couple of over-the-counter cold pills before heading out the door. You feel a bit groggy but figure it’s nothing a cup of coffee won’t fix. As you drive, your eyelids start to feel heavy. Your reactions slow. You don’t realize it, but your car drifts into the next lane—right into oncoming traffic. The screech of tires, the blare of horns, and the next thing you know, you’re waking up in a hospital bed, lucky to be alive.

This might seem overly dramatic, but I assure you it is an all too real possibility when you take medications without understanding how they might affect your ability to drive. Many people think that because a medication is available over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, it must be safe. But the truth is, some medicines can have dangerous side effects that make driving risky, if not deadly.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that even common medications—like antihistamines, sleep aids, and cold remedies—can impair your driving. These drugs can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, and slowed reactions. And it’s not just prescription drugs; even nonprescription or over-the-counter medicines can turn your commute into a deadly gamble if you’re not careful.

Think about it: You’re behind the wheel of a machine that weighs thousands of pounds, traveling at high speeds. You need to be alert, focused, and in full control. But if you’ve taken a medication that makes you drowsy or slows your reaction time, you’re not just putting yourself at risk—you’re endangering everyone on the road.

The effects of some medicines can last long after you’ve taken them. That sleeping pill you took the night before might still be affecting you the next morning, making it hard to stay awake during your drive. Antihistamines might relieve your allergy symptoms, but they can also make you so drowsy that your ability to react in an emergency is compromised.

So, what should you do? First and foremost, know what you’re taking. Read the labels, pay attention to the warnings, and talk to your healthcare professional about any potential side effects, especially if you’re going to be driving or operating heavy machinery. Your doctor can help you adjust the dosage, change the timing, or switch to a different medication that’s safer for you to take when you need to be alert.

But what if the worst happens? What if someone else on the road has taken a medication that impairs their ability to drive and causes an accident? Maybe they didn’t realize the risk, or maybe they ignored the warnings. Either way, their impaired state puts you and your loved ones in danger.

If you or someone you care about is ever injured by a driver under the influence of any substance—whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or even a prescription medication—you need to take action. That’s where I come in. Call my office immediately at 703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515. We’ll fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

Remember, driving under the influence isn’t just about alcohol or illegal drugs. Even common, everyday medications can turn a safe driver into a deadly hazard. Don’t take chances with your safety—or the safety of others. Be informed, be cautious, and if you ever need legal help, know that my team and I are here for you.

Until next time, stay safe, stay informed, and keep your eyes on the road.

Sincerely,

Paul Samakow

Paul Samakow
Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515