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Once upon a time, I thought DUIs only affected drunk drivers. But I was wrong. The FBI reports that over a million people are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) each year. The vast majority of these drivers are indeed impaired by alcohol. But many others have been using marijuana. And a few are even impaired because of other drugs–including prescription meditation.

The truth is that you can face a DUI anytime a police officer can prove your ability to safely operate your vehicle is impaired. One possible reason alcohol is the most common cause of DUIs is that it is so easy to prove: a breathalyzer can reliably and quickly test if your BAC is above the legal limit. But with most other drugs, including both illegal and prescription drugs, a police officer would have to testify you are impaired. They may do this by noting your appearance and actions or administering a field sobriety test.

The NHTSA warns, “Some prescription drugs can induce drowsiness, cause nausea, affect judgment, and lessen coordination, all of which can prove fatal when driving…Prescription drugs such as opioids, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and some antidepressants have been associated with increased crash risk.” The Administration adds that even over-the-counter drugs may cause these problems or shakiness, which impairs you behind the wheel.

Police cruiser in car sideview mirror during a traffic stop
Traffic stop | Heather Freinkel via iStock

To make matters more complicated, you need to be careful what drugs you combine. “Some medications may not impair you on their own, but if taken with a second medication or with alcohol, may cause impairment.”

A recent survey found that driving while impaired by medications may be surprisingly common. “10% of weekday, daytime drivers surveyed tested positive for prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs.”

If you’re curious about how your prescription medications affect you, the doctor who prescribed them would be an excellent expert to quiz. The NHTSA offers a well-worded warning: “Read and follow all warning labels before driving, and note that warnings against ‘operating heavy machinery’ include driving a vehicle.”

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.