chapter 7 — personal strategies Strategies: protecting yourself from impaired drivers crash fact Facts about drugs  Drugs and driving  driving tip Medications  driving tip 105 Always read the label  of any medication you  are taking to see if it can  affect driving. If you are  taking more than one  medication, ask your  pharmacist or doctor  about their combined  effects on driving. If you are feeling impaired  after taking a drug or  medication, don’t drive —  let someone else do the  driving until the effect has  worn off. Drugs and medications can impair driving. If you are taking  medications or drugs, you need to know how they can affect  your ability to drive safely.  Drugs affect different people differently. If there is any doubt  about safety, leave the driving to someone else.  To get home safely:  Is it worth it to drink and drive?  Over-the-counter medicines for allergies, coughs, colds and  nausea can cause:  Prescriptions including sedatives, tranquilizers, painkillers and  some antidepressants can affect:  These effects can continue for many hours after the medicine is taken. If your doctor or pharmacist cautions you that a medication is  likely to interfere with driving safety, pay attention. If you are  feeling impaired after taking a medication, don’t drive — let  someone else do the driving until the effect has worn off. • You or your passengers  could be injured or  killed in a crash. • You may spend time  in jail. • You could lose your  licence. • You may have to pay  stiff fines. • Your insurance may not  pay for any injuries or  damage you cause. • Learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol. Accurate  information allows you to make informed decisions.  • Refuse to ride with drivers who may be impaired. Ask to  be let out of the car if necessary.  • Take a stand — don’t let someone who may be  impaired drive.  • Choose a designated driver before going out.  • Keep money aside for a bus or taxi.  • Call a friend. • drowsiness  • inattentiveness.  • alertness  • concentration  • reaction time. 