Medication cocktail in the traffic

Driving is often limited by drugs

09/09/2013

Many older drivers regularly take medication - often even a drug cocktail. This can have a lasting effect on their ability to drive and, if in doubt, can lead to a loss of insurance coverage, warns the German Road Safety Council (DVR) in a recent press release.

Based on a representative forsa survey, the DVR has determined the drug consumption of elderly drivers and found that 67 percent of all motorists over the age of 65 regularly take medication. „In the over 75-year-olds, there are even 77 percent“, so the DVR on. While the majority of respondents feel well informed about potential side effects that could affect their ability to drive, a large proportion (78 percent) say they shut down the car when drugs restrict their ability to drive. But many take their information only the package insert, which is not sufficient according to DVR. Those affected should, especially when taking several different medicines, necessarily seek a conversation with their family doctor and without the advice of a doctor not to drive, said Burkhard Gerkens, Senior Road Users at the DVR.

Without medical advice not at the wheel
Of the older motorists taking medication, 89 percent stated in the forsa survey that they were aware of whether or not their medicines compromised their own ability to drive „only one in ten (11 percent) does not do this“, reports the DVR. 73 percent of respondents refer to the package leaflet for information on the possible adverse effects of the drugs, and 66 percent said they also talk to their doctor and 26 percent ask for possible side effects when they buy from the pharmacy. Alone „studying the leaflet is often not enough“, explained Gerkens. Especially „caution is advised in elderly patients taking multiple medicines at the same time“, there „the drug cocktail unfold unpredictable side effects“ can, continues the DVR-speaker. In such cases, patients should never drive a car without prior medical advice, as in an accident, those at risk of their insurance, said Gerkens.

Looking for a conversation with the family doctor
In order to rule out possible impairments of fitness to drive by taking medicines, the expert recommends talking with the family doctor. To make it easier to get an overview, it is helpful, „To keep a record of all medications taken“, Especially as patients often receive several prescriptions from different doctors, said Burkhard Gerkens. Before driving, sufferers should also ask themselves if they are more tired than usual or their reactions may be slower, Gerkens continued.

Drugs with influence on the ability to drive
As an example of drugs that may have an impact on driving ability, the DVR calls „Sleeping pills as well as sedative and analgesics.“ Furthermore you can „Also, drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems or depression reduce the driving fitness“, so the message of the DVR. In addition, some over-the-counter preparations, such as for allergies or colds, should also be used with caution. „Many of the drugs make you tired or slow down the processing of environmental stimuli“, As a result, reactions to road traffic are delayed or delayed, reports the German Road Safety Council.

Age restrictions on fitness to drive
In addition to the possible impairment of the ability to drive due to the intake of medicines, older drivers may also be subject to general restrictions on driving ability, which can lead to a risk to road safety, according to the DVR. The experts therefore recommend regular health checks in which „Among other things, hearing, attention, reaction speed, flexibility as well as the functions of the heart, liver and nervous system are checked“ become. According to the DVR, older drivers in particular should occasionally have their general driving habits inspected in this way. (Fp)

Picture: Th. Reinhardt