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Can Medications Count as Drugged Driving?

Posted by Unknown | Sep 15, 2021 | 0 Comments

Not everyone realizes that alcohol is not the only drug that can hold you accountable for a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge. Illegal drugs are not the only drugs that can do this either. Prescription medications can also result in a DUI charge if they impact someone's driving. If you find yourself facing DUI charges after a New York car accident, then ask a New York City automobile accident attorney for help.

What Counts as Drugged Driving?

Prescription medications and other drugs may not always lead to a DUI charge, as long as they do not significantly impair your driving. However, certain medications can cause effects on driving that many people are not aware of. You might be experiencing the effects of drugged driving if you find yourself:

    • Almost falling asleep at the wheel
Can Medications Count as Drugged Driving?
  • Feeling dizzy for no reason
  • Experiencing delayed reaction times
  • Nauseated
  • Having a hard time keeping focus on the road
  • Encountering blurry or double vision

Some of the most common medications that can cause these effects are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines, strong pain killers, and sleeping medicine. Certain prescription allergy medications can also have similar effects. One of the easiest ways to tell is to check your medicine bottle.

Medication companies are required by law to list any side effects that could affect driving. Most medications will have a warning label not to drive or operate heavy machinery. Driving after taking a medication like this puts you at your own legal risk.

Even certain over-the-counter medicines can impact driving. Allergy medicines are most commonly associated with significant drowsiness and dizziness. If you cannot find any warnings on the medication packaging and are still not sure, ask your pharmacist.

Consequences of Drugged Driving

The consequences of drugged driving depend on your record and how many times you have been charged with a DUI in the past. In terms of New York drugged driving laws, you could face up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and license suspension. All an office has to do is notice someone driving recklessly to pull them over.

After the officer pulls a driver over, the officer can inquire about the driver's use of alcohol, drugs, or medications. Refusing a chemical test may lead to other charges. Arguing or fighting with the officer is likely to increase those charges.

Multiple drugged driving charges can lead to up to seven years in jail, $10,000 fines, and license suspension for a year or longer. Do not hesitate to start contacting a New York City accident lawyer today if you find yourself facing charges. A lawyer can help you figure out what defense you have and your legal options.

New York City Car Accident Attorney

Protecting yourself against DUI charges can be challenging. You can contact Sullivan and Brill Law Firm at (212) 566-1000 to talk to a New York personal injury lawyer for a free consultation today. Our Westchester County attorneys can help you defend yourself against various charges and explore your options. We are located throughout New York City, Long Island, Kings, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland Counties, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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