Driving under the influence, public policy, and pharmacy practice

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Medicolegal Science

Background:

• Motor vehicle accidents caused by prescription drug impairment have increased significantly over the last decade.
• Impairment is traditionally linked to sedating medications like opioids and benzodiazepines.
• However, driving under the influence (DUI) drug charges now encompass medications not typically considered impairing, including antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and mood stabilizers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing association between prescription medication use and driving impairment.
• To emphasize the expanding scope of DUI drug charges to include non-sedating medications.
• To underscore the crucial role of pharmacists in patient counseling regarding medication-related driving risks.

Main Methods:

• Review of trends in motor vehicle accidents related to prescription drug use.
• Analysis of the evolving legal landscape of driving under the influence (DUI) drug charges.
• Examination of data associating various prescription agents with driving impairment.

Main Results:

• Data increasingly link medication use, including non-traditional impairing agents, to driving impairment.
• Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training is widespread, and "per se" laws are implemented in numerous states.
• The scope of DUI-drug charges is expanding beyond typically sedating prescription medications.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists have an ethical, professional, and potentially legal duty to inform patients about impaired driving risks associated with prescription agents.
• Counseling on medication impairment should be broadened to include drugs not typically perceived as impairing.
• Pharmacists are vital in ensuring patients understand driving impairment risks and potential DUI prosecution.