Motorists taking these legal medications have been issued a “do not drive” warning.
Motorists driving under the influence of these drugs have been told not to drive (Image: Getty)
Drivers taking one type of medication have been told to “not drive” this December in an urgent warning to motorists ahead of Christmas. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst stressed that road users on certain medicines could be “unfit to drive” in a major safety risk.
Certain pills and medicines can make motorists drowsy, tired and unaware of their surroundings, posing a major safety risk. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence is a major concern, with motorists putting themselves and others at risk. Motorists could be at greater risk in 2025 as a new, potentially more severe flu strain takes hold, with hospital numbers surging across the UK.
Certain medications could make motorists more drowsy. (Image: Getty)
James said: “Some medicines can make you drowsy and therefore unfit to drive. If you ignore the warnings, you could be breaking the law as well as putting yourself and others at increased risk of a collision. If you feel unwell, or if any medication you take carries a drowsiness or ‘may affect driving’ warning, our advice is simple: do not drive. Arrange alternative transport while you recover, or ask your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a non-drowsy alternative.”
According to GEM Motoring Assist, over-the-counter cold and flu treatments and prescription painkillers are all major risks. They explained that motorists should first check the label, carefully inspecting the packaging for warnings about drowsiness or impaired alertness.
Next, road users should ask a professional or speak with a pharmacist or GP about safer alternatives if they need to drive. Drivers should also assess how they feel, and always avoid driving altogether if they feel light-headed or tired.
Motorists should also plan ahead and, if possible, arrange alternative transportation. GEM Motoring Assist also warns that driving while under certain medications could be treated in the same way as driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
GOV.UK has said motorists should talk to their doctor before taking amphetamines, clonazepam, diazepam, or flunitrazepam.
Those on lorazepam, methadone, morphine, oxazepam and temazepam should also speak to a medical professional before getting behind the wheel.
GOV.UK explained: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving. It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.”
