AAA offers info about medications and driving

September 17, 2012 12:10 am

WITH AN EYE on the growing number of older drivers on the road--and, it seems, more and more people using medications--AAA has created an important tool.

According to the auto group, 80 percent of drivers 65 and older take prescription medication, but only half of them ask their doctors about side effects that could impact their ability to drive.

It's pretty clear that driving gets more difficult as we age. Throw medication into the mix and you've got problems.

Heck, medications alone can have a serious impact on anyone, let alone older drivers.

And AAA pointed out that fact, saying that some medications, such as antidepressants (used by young and old alike) can increase the risk of a crash by 41 percent.

To help, AAA created Roadwise Rx, an online tool that gives details on common side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The site also provides information on how herbs and food interact with medications.

Why are over-the-counter medications included?

AAA pointed out that certain over-the-counter meds, say for allergies, can make you the equivalent of a drunken driver.

While the AAA site is geared toward senior drivers, it can be a good resource for anyone using medication.

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