If you’ve been injured and need to take medications, some of those medications may have the potential to cause drowsiness, dizziness or other unwanted side effects. Although you may be getting these medications legally, it is possible to face allegations of drunk driving if you drive on these medications and make mistakes on the road.
For example, if you’re taking an opioid drug, like hydrocodone, you may feel drowsy or have trouble thinking straight. These are normal side effects, but if you’re driving when they hit, then you could end up causing a crash or driving in a reckless manner.
What should you do if side effects start to affect you while you’re driving?
Many people think that it’s safe for them to drive a few more blocks to get home or to cautiously drive where they need to go just to get out of their vehicle, but the truth is that you should pull over as soon as possible if you start feeling drowsy or nauseated, can’t think clearly or have other side effects from your medications.
Extreme levels of drowsiness and dizziness could be possible with certain medications, as could decreased hand-eye coordination.
It’s not safe to keep going when you have these kinds of problems. Instead, consider calling someone to pick you up, and come back for your vehicle at another time.
How can you defend yourself if you’re accused of a DWI?
If you weren’t told about the potential side effects or never had these effects in the past, you may be able to defend against a DWI.
Our website has more on what to do if you’re stopped and face allegations of driving while impaired.