Can medication impair a person’s ability to drive?

Medications can indeed impair a person’s ability to drive due to their effects on the central nervous system. Many drugs, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational, can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, decreased reaction time, and impaired judgment. These side effects create a direct risk to safe driving, as they may hinder the driver's ability to respond properly to road conditions or unexpected situations.

While there may be specific medications known to pose a higher risk, it's important to understand that not all substances affect individuals in the same way. Additionally, even over-the-counter medications, like antihistamines, can have the same adverse effects. Therefore, it is not just certain medications or only prescribed ones that can affect driving safety. All drivers must be vigilant about how their medications affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.