A 2-minute lesson from the New Hampshire 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. Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs affect driving as much as alcohol does, or more, and drugged driving is illegal. Read the label before you drive.
Know the rule
Over-the-counter drugs for headaches, colds, hay fever or other allergies, or to calm nerves, can make you drowsy and affect your driving.
Before taking any drug, check the label and packaging for warnings; if you're unsure it's safe to drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
Illegal drugs affect reflexes, judgment, vision and alertness like alcohol. Drugged driving is illegal and as dangerous as drunk and distracted driving.
You took an allergy pill and feel foggy. Even though it's sold without a prescription, it can impair you. Check the label's warnings and don't drive until you know it's safe.
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.
Which of these is true about over-the-counter drugs and driving?
They can cause drowsiness and affect the ability to drive
They are safe because no prescription is needed
They only impair driving when mixed with alcohol
Only sleep aids sold over the counter affect driving
Answer: They can cause drowsiness and affect the ability to drive
OTC drugs for colds, allergies, or nerves can make a driver drowsy and impair driving.