Daily Medications – Could They Land You A DWI?
Are you taking medication that comes with a warning about using heavy equipment? Did you know that the heavy equipment that they are referring to includes the operation of a motor vehicle? Did you know that you could end up facing DWI charges if you were to have an accident?
Your Medical History
Do you have any health issues that could impair your ability to safely drive a vehicle? The medical condition alone may not be enough to keep you from driving safely, but if you are taking medication for the condition that does cause impairment, you could be putting yourself and those around you at risk.
If you've been prescribed a medication that warns about operating heavy equipment, sit down with your doctor and have a discussion about the safety of your driving abilities. If you've experienced any dizziness, lack of sensation, or other physical symptoms that may cause problems, your doctor will know how best to proceed. Don't keep quiet because you're scared of losing your driving privileges – if you don't speak up and you cause an accident, you could end up facing DWI charges for driving under the influence of prescription medication.
Alcohol Consumption
If your medication comes with a warning about avoiding alcohol while taking the medication, heed that warning. The reaction could be as minor as speeding up the effects of the alcohol, but it could be as severe as causing a complete loss of time – a blackout in which you won't remember anything that you've done.
If you've only had a single drink while you're taking medication that warns of the use of alcohol and you're in an accident or pulled over for swerving, you could face the same charges as someone who has had 6 beers and then drove. You may have a lower blood alcohol content, but those other chemicals in your body are impairing your abilities to a greater extent and the consequences will reflect that.
If you've been charged with a DWI for driving while impaired by the medications that your doctor has prescribed, don't wait – contact a DWI attorney, like those at Pollack & Zuckerman Attorneys at Law, immediately. You may not be able to get all of the charges dropped, but the attorney will help you navigate the legal system and help to reduce the sentence. Hopefully keep you from paying too many fines, going to jail, or losing your license if it's safe for you to keep it.