Whether it’s a transient summer cold or a chronic condition, no one likes to be sick. Unfortunately, all of us will be at some point or other, and it’s important to realize that how you physically feel can affect how you perform behind the wheel.
Driving While Sick
Driving while dizzy, nauseous, or in pain will affect the attention you pay to the road, and may affect your ability to identify potential hazards and respond to them. It’s best to stay off the road until you’re feeling better. If you must drive with a short-term illness, drive slower than you generally would to give yourself more time to react in an emergency. Take an easy route home and drive within your capabilities.
Long-term and chronic illnesses can make driving difficult or even impossible. That’s not to say that you can never drive if you have a chronic illness. But, it does mean that you should follow the guidelines given to you by your medical team and be extra mindful of how you’re feeling while driving. If you need to pull over in a safe spot in order to let symptoms pass, or to call help, do so.
Another thing that you might consider if you have a long-term or chronic illness is wearing a medical alert identification bracelet or necklace to help first responders attend to you in the event of a medical emergency. The MedicAlert Foundation provides medical IDs and protection plans that keep all of your critical health information in one place and they help communicate your health information to first responders in the event of an emergency. No one likes to think of the worst case scenario happening, but if it does, it’s best to be prepared.
Driving and Medication
Most people know some of the effects of alcohol on the mind and body, but it’s easy to forget that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have similar effects. Since taking over-the-counter medications and medication prescribed by your doctor isn’t an illegal activity, we don’t always think about how these medications affect our ability to drive.
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause the following types of impairments:
- Blurred vision
- Inability to concentrate
- Altered depth perception
- Slowed reaction time
- High or low blood pressure
- Dizziness, fatigue, or nausea
Any drug, legal or otherwise, can cause symptoms that alter your ability to drive.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe to drive before taking your prescription or over-the-counter drug. Read the label. Does it say, “Do not operate heavy machinery while taking this drugâ€? If so, do not drive while taking it.
If you’re taking multiple medications at the same time, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist how the combined effects of those drugs could affect your ability to drive.
Whether it’s a transient summer cold or a chronic condition, no one likes to be sick. Unfortunately, all of us will be at some point or other, and it’s important to realize that how you physically feel can affect how you perform behind the wheel.