A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Alcohol isn't the only thing that impairs you. Everyday medicines, a bad cold, or strong feelings like anger and worry can all slow your reactions and cloud your judgment. Know the warning signs and let someone else drive when you're not at your best.
Know the rule
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs affect driving like alcohol, or worse. Drugs for headaches, colds, hay fever or other allergies, or to calm nerves can make you drowsy.
Never drink alcohol while taking other drugs. They can multiply alcohol's effects or add their own, reducing your driving ability and causing serious health problems — even death.
Many health problems affect driving: a bad cold, infection or virus — even a stiff neck, cough or sore leg. If you're not feeling well and need to go somewhere, let someone else drive.
You took an allergy pill and feel drowsy, but you're late. Check the label: if it warns about drowsiness, don't drive. Ask a friend for a ride or wait until the effect wears off.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What can prescription and over-the-counter drugs do to your driving ability?
Nothing, only illegal drugs affect driving
Impair reflexes, vision, and judgment
Only cause drowsiness at night
Only affect vision, not judgment
Answer: Impair reflexes, vision, and judgment
Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness in ways similar to alcohol.