NEWS: The Age - 28/10/07 'Motorists 'ignore prescription warnings''

[lil angel15]

Motorists 'ignore prescription warnings'
October 28, 2007 - 10:49AM

Almost one in four Australian drivers are ignoring medical warnings by getting behind the wheel after taking prescription drugs, according to new research.

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.

"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 of 2380 Australians was independently conducted for AAMI by Sweeney Research.

National data included all states and territories except Western Australia.

The AGE

 

[lil angel15]

One in four drug driving
Peter Rolfe
October 28, 2007 12:00am

A QUARTER of Victorian motorists drive under the influence of drugs and it is those popping prescription pills rather than illicit drugs who are most to blame.

A study by AAMI reveals drivers on a cocktail of drugs prescribed for pain management, anxiety and depression are risking their lives.

The study found the number of drivers on prescription drugs was more than double the number who drove on recreational drugs.

Drugs include Prozac, Valium and Mersyndol, which can cause drowsiness, dizziness, seizures and abnormal vision.

Drug and alcohol expert Paul Dillon said even cough medicine could be deadly.

"Pharmaceutical drugs, just like any drugs entail some degree of risk," he said.

AAMI spokesman Geoff Hughes said the message was not being heard by drivers.

"Unless doctors tell people 'You can't drive on this', it seems to be going in one ear and out the other," he said.

Herald Sun

 

[Splatt]

Prozac boxes never have a do not drive sticker on them. Only drowsy anti histamines, opiates (codeine more than 15mg a tab, and all the prescription ones and opioids like tramadol etc.), benzos and certainly a lot of other meds do but i've never seen much anti depressants say so. In fact my Valium prescriptions dont even feel the need to say it. Definitely needs to be more education on this.

 

[juice_soldier]

My zoloft box has a warning about drowsiness and if affected not to drive or opperate machinery... As do all of my benzos.. perhaps your chemist is just slack? (or knows ur too much of a poor cunt to be driving a car )

 

[Nwalmaer]

Actually if you flick thought the lil pamphlets you get with your meds Most prescription drugs advise against driving

Honestly though Ive never been prescribed anything thats made me noticibly drowsy (except stillnox)

 

[Immortal Teknique]

To be honest, i'd rather drive on a pill or 2 compared to something like xanax. That shit can be lethal behind the wheel.

 

[Splatt]

I'd have a registered car and a license if I wasn't too blind and could pass the eye test for driving.

It probably is laziness on the chemists behalf, yes. Stilnox says it on chemist labels, but when I get a small valium script they only put avoid alcohol, may cause drowsiness, take one when required for anxiety.

Some chemists add that extra red triangle sticker thats been around for like 20 years. (based on seeing 1980 benzo scripts), As well as their own label saying Avoid driving.

 

[stealthtrucker]

NM Wrong Thread

 

[hoptis]

Dude... your post is here.

 

[lil angel15]

Drugs help driving - users
Carly Crawford
October 31, 2007 12:00am

MORE than a quarter of amphetamine users who drug-drive think the dangerous stimulant improves their performance behind the wheel.

And two-thirds of drivers who pop sedatives similar to those used by fallen footy star Ben Cousins think those drugs have no impact on their driving skills.

The sedatives, a type of benzodiazepine, are among the most commonly detected prescription drugs in impaired drivers, police figures show.

A major Australian Drug Foundation survey on drug drivers will be launched today.

The survey, done with research body Turning Point and funded by AAMI, found that drug users did not believe their habit affected their driving.

Fifty-six per cent of amphetamine users thought the substance had no impact on their ability while 27 per cent felt it enhanced their skills.

Almost half the ecstasy users and one quarter of cannabis users thought those drugs damaged their performance.

Principal researcher Jane Mallick, director of the ADF's Centre for Youth Drug Studies, said the findings were cause for alarm.

"A common response was that it can improve alertness so there might be a perception you're a better driver," Dr Mallick said.

"There is a perception there isn't a risk."

Researchers surveyed 6801 people aged between 16 and 84 around the country and found that 30 per cent of people taking benzodiazepines - a type of tranquilliser - had driven within three hours of using it.

Benzodiazapines are used by drug users to help them come down from the highs induced from illicit stimulants.

Sacked West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins was found with a packet of diazepam when he was pulled over by traffic police this month.

Dr Mallick said drivers were ignorant of the dangers posed by prescription drugs.

"Again, people don't perceive the risks," she said.

Victoria Police's Insp Martin Boorman said 49 per cent of the 751 motorists charged with driving while impaired in the five years to December 2005 had tested positive to benzodiazepines.

He said one in 53 drivers had tested positive to speed, ecstasy or cannabis after being pulled over at the roadside.

"The reason someone takes a psycho-active substance is that it has an effect on their cognitive ability," Insp Boorman said.

Half of the ADF survey respondents admitted to driving within three hours of using cannabis or amphetamines compared with 37 per cent of ecstasy users.

Herald Sun