Impaired driving charges usually focus around alcohol use. But it is important for drivers to remember that alcohol is not the only substance that can impair their ability to drive a vehicle safely.
In some cases, even a prescription medication could lead to impairment. These medications will generally come with warnings not to operate heavy machinery, which means that a person who is taking that drug should not drive their car while still feeling the effects of the medication.
Combining prescriptions and alcohol
Another thing to watch out for is how alcohol may interact with a prescription drug. For instance, if someone is taking a prescription that makes them feel drowsy and fatigued, just a single drink of alcohol could cause them to nod off behind the wheel. If they are taking a prescription that includes a blood thinner, this could exaggerate the effects of even a small amount of alcohol. The combination of the two substances may lead to allegations of impairment behind the wheel.
Legal defense options after an arrest
This is not to say that it is illegal for someone to use prescription medication. As long as they do have a valid prescription that they got from a medical professional, the possession and use themselves are fully legal. But at the same time, it is important for drivers to carefully read the instructions to make sure they do not violate the law while using those substances.
If a misunderstanding over these prohibitions has led to a DUI arrest, then it is very important to understand exactly what legal defense options are available.