Medication Side Effects Raise Risks For Older Drivers in Central Florida

Car accidents happen fast, and the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller know the impact they can have. In an instant, another vehicle can crash into yours and leave you or a loved one with serious injuries that can change your life forever. In the case of older drivers, the chance of being involved in an accident can increase due to the side effects from medicines prescribed by a doctor.  

According to AAA, taking multiple medications increases this risk, because drug interactions can amplify side effects or create new ones. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of this, and put themselves and others at risk. 

How do medications affect driving?

Nearly 50 percent of older adults over the age of 50 who take seven or more medications continue to be active drivers. The most common medications that affect driving include certain cardiovascular prescriptions, pain medications and anti-anxiety medications. Many of these drugs are known to cause blurred vision, confusion, fatigue or loss of coordination, which “can increase a driver’s risk for a crash by up to 300 percent.”  

Other studies discovered that most of these drivers never received a warning from their doctor about how side effects can impair their ability to drive safely. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists found that a third of older adults are prescribed medications by multiple doctors, possibly increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions and impairing an older driver without their knowledge.  

Understand your medications

Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research, advises drivers who take medication to “Ask [their] doctor and pharmacist as many questions as necessary” so that they can fully understand side effects, how medications interact with other types of medications, and how they affect driving ability. He also advises older drivers to not be afraid to question healthcare providers. “It’s their job to help you. And the answers may just save your life,” he said.  

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident and prescription side effects were a likely factor, you need an attorney who will fight for you to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our knowledge of medical protocol combined with our familiarity with insurance law and litigation skills positions us to maximize compensation for our clients.  

During this difficult time in your life, you need a dedicated auto accident attorney fighting for your rights. Contact our office today.