NZ Transport Agency is clamping down on people who drive after taking certain prescription medicines.

They are appealing to Hibiscus Coast motorists not to drive after taking certain prescription medications, as some have bad side effects that could affect driving skills. 

Certain medications can affect how you take in and process information, your reaction times and your perception of reality. 

It can also make you more fatigued, which could result in a car accident where you injure yourself, or others. 

Due to the increased number of accidents that have occurred due to motorists being on prescription medicine, NZTA is working closely with the police, who will use existing practices to test drivers for the presence of prescription medication and drugs, including the compulsory impairment test and blood test. 

Law changes around driving while impaired by prescription medicines came into effect in March, and there are new offences and penalties if you take any of the 25 specific drugs above the legal limit for driving. 

To view the medication, go to www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2022/0005/latest/whole.html#LMS378964

With some medical conditions, and with older age, the likelihood of taking multiple medicines at the same time, increases. 

Different medicines can interact with one another and increase the risk of impairment.

After taking the medication and before you start driving (and while you’re driving), motorists must check how they feel to see if they have any of the following symptoms: feeling drowsy or sleepy, blurred vision, headache, feeling weak slowed reactions, dizziness, nausea, feeling sick, unable to focus or pay attention, being easily confused, slurred speech, having trouble forming a sentence, feeling wired and overconfident (although you may not notice it yourself). 

It is advised not to get behind the wheel of a car if you experience any of these symptoms.

Besides illegal drugs, many prescribed and over-the-counter medications can impair driving, including strong painkillers, depression medication, heart medication, allergy medication, sleeping tablets, anti-psychotic medication, epilepsy medication, addiction treatment, nausea medication and anxiety medication.

If you are prescribed medication, you need to understand and follow the instructions given to you by your doctor, pharmacist or the manufacturer of the medication.  

If you are unsure, it is advised that you speak to the pharmacist before giving you the medicine.

NZTA says this is another action to help make our roads safer. 

In 2021, 128 people were killed and 177 seriously injured when a driver was affected by taking medicines and/or drugs.