According to a recent study of the relationship of drivers who take psychotropic drugs and auto accidents reported in the September 13th issue of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology it was demonstrated that people involved in auto accidents were more likely to have been using psychotropic medication for any length of time. These drugs include medication for depression, insomnia, or anxiety. Xanax is a perfect example of this kind of medication.
These kinds of meds alter brain function and certainly can negatively impact a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner. The researchers who wrote the article compared this type of prescribed drug use in over 5000 people who were involved in serious car accidents with over 31,000 drivers who had no record of similar accidents. The results stated above came from this comparison. Prior studies linked the use of benzodiazepines, Xanax and similar anti anxiety drugs, with an increase of car crashes. This newer study revealed that anti-depressants and drugs used to treat insomnia seem to be related to a greater risk of serious accidents. The authors of this article suggested that doctors and pharmacists should consider choosing safer treatments and provide their patients with complete information of the driving risks while taking certain psychotropic drugs.
At Barry Regar APLC, when we are litigating personal injury cases in the Indio, or Palm Desert area we are careful to investigate the medication history of drivers who were negligent in the operation of their vehicles and caused our client's injuries. Medication that can impact one's driving ability may not be recognized by an investigating police officer. After the crash the negligent driver on meds will not smell like alcohol or marijuana suggesting to the police officer a cause for their negligent driving. That is why it can be crucial to winning a traffic accident lawsuit to learn all the details of the medication history of the involved drivers. This investigation also applies to our clients.
Consult with our accident lawyer during a free consultation for an in depth investigation of your case.