HealthDay TV: Older Drivers

You would never think of driving while impaired, but what if you don't realize that a prescription drug you routinely take may be affecting you?

Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines for HealthDay TV.

A study of drivers older than age 55 shows that many people are unaware of the risks their medications pose when they're behind the wheel. The study, from the Center for Injury Sciences at the University of Alabama, surveyed 630 drivers and found that only 18 percent ever remember receiving a warning from a health-care professional.

There are many so-called "driver-impairing medications", including ACE inhibitors, sedatives and beta-blockers. Older drivers, in their 70s, are more likely to be on several of these medications...and an overwhelming majority of them have no idea of the dangers some of them pose.

If you're given a new prescription or have an old one you're not sure about, ask your health care provider about any potential driving risks.

Always keep in mind that our abilities may be affected by many things, including the medications we have in our medicine cabinet.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines for HeathDay TV.