Driving and drugs don’t work

15 December 2011

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is giving advice on the risks of the effects of legal drugs.

• When you begin a new medication, ask the doctor or pharmacist about the side effects.
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you drive for work.
• Read the leaflet and labels with the medication for advice concerning side effects.
• Many medications may affect your driving even though you feel fine.
• If your medicine makes you dizzy or drowsy and you need to drive, talk to your doctor about taking medication which doesn’t have these side effects.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Everyone knows that driving and taking illegal drugs is reckless and dangerous. But prescription and over-the-counter medication can also affect your ability to drive.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. www.drivingadvice.org.uk.
2. Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner
3. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety. 

ENDS ALL

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

ISDN broadcast lines available 

iam.org.uk