Posted by duijim in on September 23, 2024
Georgia law recognizes DUI offenses when someone drives while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including illicit substances like cocaine or marijuana; however, many are unaware that even prescription medications may impair driving ability and result in a DUI arrest.
1. Drowsiness
Drowsiness can lead to poor decisions and delayed reactions, exacerbating alcohol’s and other drugs’ adverse side effects.
Georgia law makes it illegal to drive while impaired by any substance that compromises your ability to safely operate a vehicle, even legally prescribed medications like antihistamines and sleep aids. Even over-the-counter medication such as these can impair driving safety and contribute to accidents.
2. Moodiness
Feeling low can be an indicator of an underlying mood disorder, and medications or counseling are often recommended as ways to address it. Unfortunately, even taking legal prescriptions could result in an Atlanta DUI if they impair driving capabilities.
Many OTC medications contain side effects that impair driving, including sedative-hypnotic sleep aids, antihistamines and cold and allergy remedies. Furthermore, this effect can occur when these medications combine with alcohol.
3. Insomnia
Allergies, cold medicines and even some over-the-counter sleep aids may have side effects that impair a driver. According to state law, anyone under the influence of any drug or alcohol that makes driving less safe may be charged with DUI.
Warning labels advising not to take medication while driving are crucial and must be strictly observed. Any form of drug usage, even one prescribed by your physician, could potentially result in a DUI charge in Georgia.
4. Dizziness
Georgia law makes it illegal to drive while under the influence of any drug – including over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and sleep aids, which may cause dizziness as side effects.
Studies suggest that drivers experiencing allergy symptoms could be as impaired as drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03%, so it is vital for individuals to inform police officers about any known medical conditions that could impact DUI testing results.
6. Nausea
Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) can have significant sedative effects when taken in combination with alcohol. Anyone taking such medication must always follow the warnings listed on its bottle and refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary.
OTC drugs can produce side effects that cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision – increasing accident risks. Georgia DUI laws are strict, and anyone found impaired due to OTC medications could face arrest and prosecution.
7. Vomiting
Allergy medications and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may cause side effects that hinder driving, including nausea, blurred vision, dizziness and confusion.
Police officers are trained to recognize drug-impaired driving and can rely on results of Alcosensor breath tests or blood tests to make arrests for DUI charges. Unfortunately, however, such tests can contain errors which should be challenged by experienced Georgia DUI attorneys.
8. Diarrhea
Prescription or over-the-counter medication can make driving dangerously difficult, which is why Georgia law criminalizes driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any over-the-counter medications which impair driving abilities.
Drug allergies often manifest themselves almost instantly after taking their medication; however, other reactions can occur hours, days, or even weeks later. Many are shocked to learn that allergic medications can impede one’s driving capabilities and be charged with DUI when interfering with them driving safely.
9. Sleepiness
Additionally to prescription medications, over-the-counter allergy and cold remedies may have adverse side effects that impair driving performance, including decongestants, pain relievers, antihistamines and anxiety medications.
Georgia does not have a specific law against driving while fatigued; however, under its DUI and civil liability framework citations may be issued when evidence such as witness statements and expert analysis suggests drowsiness played a part in an accident.
10. Insomnia
Many over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, cough suppressants and decongestants can produce side effects that impair driving, such as drowsiness or slow reaction times – particularly if multiple drugs are combined together. This risk increases significantly if driving is undertaken immediately afterwards.
Under Georgia law, any individual found operating their vehicle while impaired by any substance or side effect – even allergy medication – may be charged with DUI.