A survey by insurer AAMI has found that the number of people who have driven while under the influence of prescription drugs; was double the number of drivers who got behind the wheel after taking recreational drugs (24 per cent versus 12 per cent).
AAMI public affairs manager Geoff Hughes said men were more likely to drive after taking prescription drugs than women, with 29 per cent admitting to it, compared to 20 per cent of women.
“AAMI's survey results show that despite warning labels advising them of the dangers, many Australians were driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, potentially risking their lives and the lives of other road users,” Mr Hughes said.
“Before they even think about using their cars, motorists should check with their GP about whether any medications or combination of medications being taken could affect their ability to drive, as well as checking any labels on medication for warnings against driving."
“Most drivers (66 per cent) believe illicit drugs pose a greater danger on our roads than prescription drugs,” Mr Hughes said.
“However, double the number of drivers are likely to get behind the wheel after using prescription drugs that carry a warning not to drive than they are after taking illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy."
“These results show many drivers are ignoring pharmaceutical warnings about the dangers of driving while under the influence of prescription medications.
AAMI public affairs manager Geoff Hughes said men were more likely to drive after taking prescription drugs than women, with 29 per cent admitting to it, compared to 20 per cent of women.
“AAMI's survey results show that despite warning labels advising them of the dangers, many Australians were driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, potentially risking their lives and the lives of other road users,” Mr Hughes said.
“Before they even think about using their cars, motorists should check with their GP about whether any medications or combination of medications being taken could affect their ability to drive, as well as checking any labels on medication for warnings against driving."
“Most drivers (66 per cent) believe illicit drugs pose a greater danger on our roads than prescription drugs,” Mr Hughes said.
“However, double the number of drivers are likely to get behind the wheel after using prescription drugs that carry a warning not to drive than they are after taking illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy."
“These results show many drivers are ignoring pharmaceutical warnings about the dangers of driving while under the influence of prescription medications.
“People need to know that any drug they take has the potential to impair their driving ability, whether it is a prescription or an illicit drug.”
The survey found that drivers aged 45 to 54 were most likely to acknowledge that prescription drugs were a hidden danger on our roads (80 per cent) and those aged 18 to 24 were least likely to (64 per cent).
“Interestingly, while drivers aged 45 to 54 are most likely to recognise the hidden dangers of driving after taking prescription drugs, they are also most likely to undertake this practice with 27 per cent saying they had ignored warning labels and driven under the influence of prescription drugs,” Mr Hughes said.
The survey found that drivers aged 45 to 54 were most likely to acknowledge that prescription drugs were a hidden danger on our roads (80 per cent) and those aged 18 to 24 were least likely to (64 per cent).
“Interestingly, while drivers aged 45 to 54 are most likely to recognise the hidden dangers of driving after taking prescription drugs, they are also most likely to undertake this practice with 27 per cent saying they had ignored warning labels and driven under the influence of prescription drugs,” Mr Hughes said.
The survey of 2380 Australians was independently conducted for AAMI by Sweeney Research.
National data included all states and territories except Western Australia.
Common drugs and their possible side effects
Generic Name: Diazepam. Common brand name (others available): Valium. Used for anxiety, insomnia. Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness or clumsiness.
Alprazolam. Common brand name: Xanax. Used for: anxiety, insomnia. Possible side effects: confusion, drowsiness, dizziness or clumsiness.
Lorazepam. Common brand name: Ativan. Used for: anxiety, insomnia. Possible side effects: vision changes, drowsiness, dizziness.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride. Common brand name: Prozac. Used for: depression. Possible side effects: abnormal vision, dizziness, ear ringing.
Pheniramine maleate. Common brand name: Avil. Used for: allergies, hayfever. Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, lack of concentration.
Paracetamol, codeine phosphate, doxylamine succinate. Common brand name: Mersyndol. Used for: pain. Possible side effects: dizziness, drowsiness.
Methylmorphine. Common brand name: Codeine. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: nausea, drowsiness, dizziness.
Morphine sulfate. Common brand name: Roxanol. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: muscle twitches, light-headedness, unconsciousness.
Hydrocodone. Common brand name: Vicodin. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: light-headedness, dizziness.
Diclofenac Sodium. Common brand name: Volataren. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: seizures, weakness, dizziness, ear ringing.
National data included all states and territories except Western Australia.
Common drugs and their possible side effects
Generic Name: Diazepam. Common brand name (others available): Valium. Used for anxiety, insomnia. Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness or clumsiness.
Alprazolam. Common brand name: Xanax. Used for: anxiety, insomnia. Possible side effects: confusion, drowsiness, dizziness or clumsiness.
Lorazepam. Common brand name: Ativan. Used for: anxiety, insomnia. Possible side effects: vision changes, drowsiness, dizziness.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride. Common brand name: Prozac. Used for: depression. Possible side effects: abnormal vision, dizziness, ear ringing.
Pheniramine maleate. Common brand name: Avil. Used for: allergies, hayfever. Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, lack of concentration.
Paracetamol, codeine phosphate, doxylamine succinate. Common brand name: Mersyndol. Used for: pain. Possible side effects: dizziness, drowsiness.
Methylmorphine. Common brand name: Codeine. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: nausea, drowsiness, dizziness.
Morphine sulfate. Common brand name: Roxanol. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: muscle twitches, light-headedness, unconsciousness.
Hydrocodone. Common brand name: Vicodin. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: light-headedness, dizziness.
Diclofenac Sodium. Common brand name: Volataren. Used for: pain management. Possible side effects: seizures, weakness, dizziness, ear ringing.
