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Dangers of Prescription Drugs Less of a Concern to Those with Higher Education

03/21/14
Traffic Safety

March 18, Voorhees, NJ -- The dangers of drinking and driving are well publicized, yet the dangers associated with driving under the influence of prescription drugs are not viewed as nearly as serious. As part of AAA Clubs of New Jersey’s Report to the Legislature, motorists were asked to rate the seriousness of driving under the influence, 95% ranked it as Very or Somewhat Serious. While an overwhelming majority still understand the dangers of drinking and driving, those ranking it as Very Serious has continued to fall over the last four years, from 87% in 2009 to 81% in 2013.

Prescription drugs also can cause significant impairment, yet many drivers are unaware of the dangers. Only 85% rank driving while under the influence of prescription drugs as Serious or Very Serious. “Driving under the influence can be dangerous, whether it’s alcohol, drugs or prescription medications,” said Rich Bradley, Public Affairs Specialist for AAA South Jersey. “Motorists should check all the side effects of their prescriptions before getting behind the wheel.”

“Awareness campaigns were needed before drunk driving was seen as inherently dangerous, it’s clear that the same sort of awareness is needed when it comes driving while using prescription drugs,” Bradley said. Drivers should not only read the warning labels but also ask their pharmacist or doctor about any dangerous drug interactions.

AAA’s RoadwiseRX provides a confidential tool that can be used to check for potential interactions between prescription medications, supplements and over the counter medications. The tool will provide users with a print out that can be taken to a doctor or pharmacist who can advise drivers if any changes need to be made.

The AAA Clubs of New Jersey—AAA North Jersey, AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, AAA Mid-Atlantic and AAA South Jersey—provide automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than two million members through 25 offices across the state. The AAA Clubs of New Jersey are affiliated with AAA, the not-for-profit, fully tax paying federation of automobile clubs, which serves as an advocate for motorists and travelers.