You've heard of drunk driving, but have you heard of drugged driving? Most studies compare prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as some herbal supplements to be comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol. Some states even prosecute those who get into accidents due taking prescription drugs while operating a motor vehicle. In 44 states, officers are trained to be able to identify drugs through Drug Evaluation and Classification Programs and 18 different states have passed laws called per se; these laws ban what many call drugged driving or any type of drugs which metabolizes in the driver's blood or causes the driver side effects that are not safe when operating a motor vehicle.

Some drugs taken will stay in the body for days or weeks. Due to this problem, law enforcement do not have tools to take readings like they do through breathalyzer tools; the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) sites that there are no specific drug level known that signifies drug impairment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) alleges that in 2007, weekend nighttime drivers who tested positive to illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs total to about 16 percent.

If you take prescription medicine you should talk to your doctor about the side effects (if not already aware of them), and specifically ask if it will impair driving behavior. If you are not yet aware of how the drug will affect you, it is also important to wait until you see the side effects. Yet, studies have shown that one way in which drugs are more dangerous than alcohol is their ability to create positive feelings while unknowingly decrease reaction time speed and perception. Sometimes, prescription drugs don't have any side effects, but it is imperative to talk to your doctor to see if this may be true of any medications that you are currently taking. Some of the possible solutions are:

• Changing the dosage;
• Taking the proper dosage at a different time;
• Changing your eating habits and exercise programs; and
• Replacing the medication with a different prescription or drug

Drug driving reactions may include:

• Distorted vision;
• Dizziness;
• Dainting;
• Slow movement;
• Nausea; and
• Inability to focus.

Some popular ingredients known to induce drugged driving include diphenhydramine, chlorphenirdmine, brompheniramine, clemastine, and doxylamine. These ingredients are popular in allergy medicines and as a group are called antihistamines; some brands include Sudafed, Claritin, and Benadryl. These ingredients are also commonly found in medicines that help you relax such as cold tablets, cough medicine, and flu syrups. Many of these prescription or over-the-counter drugs have instructions and many include directions and side effects; some include a note to inform those taking the medicine to not operate a vehicle when the drug causes impairment. If you experience a noticeable drugged feeling when driving, one source suggests that you automatically pull to the side of the road cautiously. They even recommend calling in sick from work or canceling an appointment rather than putting yourself in jeopardy by continually driving.

If it turns out that you cannot operate a motor vehicle, here are options to still keep your independence without putting yourself in danger include commuting with family or friends, walking, taking public transportation (such as buses), utilizing taxis or using local shuttle buses. The adjustment will be worth it, and your friends and family members will have the peace of mind knowing that you are safe. Your health and quality of life is very important, so talk to your doctor today to learn more about your prescription drugs.