Drugs at the wheel: the underestimated danger
Medication can impair driving ability, but this danger is often underestimated on Swiss roads. With a new campaign, the bfu - Swiss Council for Accident Prevention, the Swiss Medical Association FMH and the Swiss Pharmacists Association pharmaSuisse want to make all road users aware of the problem of medication influence. The aim is to reduce the number of serious accidents.
Taking medication and driving are not always compatible. Every year, around 150 people are seriously injured or killed on Swiss roads in accidents caused by medication or drug use. Several studies suggest that the actual number is even significantly higher.
Although certain medications enable sick people (e.g., in the case of Epilepsy or Diabetes) driving in the first place. However, around 3500 remedies and medications available in Switzerland can impair driving ability. A number of medications - for example, for flu, hay fever or migraines, as well as painkillers, blood pressure medications or the combination of several preparations - can impair judgment, concentration or vision. Many of these medicines are available over the counter.
Patients and professionals equally responsible
With the message "First ask, then drive!", the bfu, the FMH and the Swiss Pharmacists Association pharmaSuisse are launching a campaign to make patients aware of the problem and thus reduce the number of serious accidents. The campaign includes Posters, Videos, Leaflets as well as Warning sticker for medication packaging. The free campaign material is provided to healthcare professionals who advise their clients and patients on the topic. The material can also be ordered online.
Vehicle drivers taking medications should be aware of the following:
- Ask a specialist (doctor, pharmacist, druggist) what effects the remedies might have. Often there are other equally effective medicines that do not affect the ability to drive.
- A change in your medication, e.g. a different dose, may also affect your ability to drive. Discuss this with a specialist.
- Be careful if you take sleeping pills: These can still have an effect the following day.
- Adhere to the prescribed dose or consult a healthcare professional.
- Do not drink alcohol when you are taking medicines: It may increase or cancel the effect.
About the campaign: www.fragen-dann-fahren.ch
Text: bfu – Advice center for accident prevention
