
Drug-driving and Prescriptions
Drug-driving and prescription medication
Drug driving is an offence that can result in loss of licence and financial penalties, including points on your driving licence. We all know that taking illicit drugs and driving is illegal, but did you know that driving whilst taking prescribed drugs can also be illegal?
Over the Counter Medicines Can land you with a DG10 Conviction
Many medicines that are prescribed can cause impairment to your motor skills and thus your driving ability. In addition, some medicines that you can buy over the counter will also impair your ability to drive. It is important to read and heed any warnings contained on the containers of any medication, prescribed or otherwise.
How Serious is Drug Driving?
According to the Durham Police :
As many as 18 percent of drivers accidents involved illicit drugs.
22 percent of passengers involved in road deaths have illicit drugs in their bodies.
What is the penalties for driving with drugs
Driving under the influence of prescribed or illicit drugs carries the same penalties as drink driving, Expect a fine of £5,000 or above or time in prison. If you are involved in a fatal accident, then you could be facing a 2-year ban and 14 years in jail. Excuse the pun, but it is a sobering thought that driving whilst taking prescription drugs could have such serious consequences.
Aside from the very serious legal results if found driving under the influence of drugs, finding an insurance company to provide you with drinking insurance will be difficult. When you do find one, the cost of DG10 insurance policy will be much higher than a standard car insurance policy.
Is Drug Driving as Serious as Drink Driving?
Driving under the influence of drugs or drink are both equally dangerous and both against the law. Spokesperson for InsuranceQuotesNI providers of car insurance in Northern Ireland, stated “that some drivers may find it difficult to get insurance after being convicted of any serious driving offence in both the UK and Northern Ireland..”
Spread Awareness of the dangers of medication
If you know someone who is taking medication and drives, then it is your social responsibility to educate them and prevent them from doing so if the medication will impair their driving. With the abundance of private hire companies, it is easy to use these services for the period of time that you are on any medication that would impair your driving skills.
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By Penny McCarthy
Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.
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