A wide variety of inevitable factors could increase crash risks no matter how experienced a driver you are. Sometimes, rain makes the roads slippery, making it difficult for wheels to grip the ground. Other times, the streets have severe damage or deep potholes, which could be dangerous in low-light conditions.
The risk can also be present because of mundane tasks meant to benefit the driver, such as taking medicine for any illness. It might not matter if you are a novice or professional driver; consuming medication that causes impairments can make you prone to collisions. These substances could have varying effects on your body based on your constitution, including the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Nausea
- Mind fog and slow reaction time
- Feeling nervous and unable to focus
- Becoming unconscious or inability to stay awake
For most prescription drugs, they tend to be common side effects. These medications can include antipsychotic medicines, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. Due to how they work, they can be impairing for prolonged periods, extending hours or even a day after taking them.
Additionally, some people may react similarly to over-the-counter options. Depending on your tolerance and physical condition, you could suffer impairments from the most common medicine to treat allergies and colds.
Avoiding preventable crashes
As a driver, it could be part of your responsibility to make the right choices, even if it means not getting behind the wheel when taking medicine. There could be ways to address the risks, such as consulting doctors to adjust the dosage or choosing less reactive options. Still, fully understanding the effects can be crucial before attempting to drive. If someone else caused the car crash because of driving while impaired, it could be negligence based on the circumstances. In these scenarios, taking legal action could be appropriate.
