What Seniors Don’t Know About Prescription Drugs and Driving

Published On: August 21st, 2009

Elderly patient Most people who are 55 and older take one or more prescription drugs that may affect their ability to drive safely — but most of them are unaware of the risks, according to a new survey.

In all, 69% of those surveyed took a medicine that could impair driving, because of possible side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. But only 28% of respondents were aware of those issues. Only 18% had been warned about the possible driving risks by a doctor, nurse of pharmacist.

The older patients were, the more likely they were to be taking multiple drugs that might cause problems with driving — and the less likely they were to be aware of the issue.

The telephone survey, funded by a foundation affiliated with AAA and conducted by academic researchers, included responses from 630 people with a median age of 70.

Photo: Associated Press; Hat Tip: Consumer Reports

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