Leaflets will be distributed through chemists with all prescriptions prompting drivers to check with their doctor or pharmacist that they are safe to drive while taking their medicines.
Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo Co. Co. said: “Campaigns to tackle those who drive after taking illegal drugs are underway. But it is not just illegal drugs, which can affect your driving. Some medicines may cause drowsiness and impair judgement, increasing the risk of an accident. “
“That is why we are raising awareness of the potential effects of over-the-counter and prescription medicines on driving ability with this new campaign and I am delighted that the Chemists in Co.Mayo are helping us to get this message direct to their customers.”
Tom Tracy a pharmacist in Westport said: “It is vital that anyone taking medicine follows the instructions properly and continues to take their course.
However, people also need to take into account the potential effects their medicine may have on their ability to drive.
“Regulations already require that a warning is included in the patient information of every medicine which may have such an effect. However, we hope that providing additional information when people collect medicines will prompt them to find out more from their doctor or pharmacist.”
Diarmuid O’Donovan MD Director of Public Health HSE West said ‘People may not be aware or may not notice warnings that some medicines could affect their driving. It’s very important to consider possible effects of medicines or combinations of medicines with each other or with alcohol.’
