Driving Under Rx Influence Still A DUI

Troopers have been cracking down on speeding, seat belt violations and DUIs all summer.

THP Lt. Jimmy Neal said that’s just as important now as ever.

With school back in session, the THP hopes to prevent DUIs near schools.

“Alcohol, of course, that will impair you, but a lot of folks don’t realize that their medicine, if it says ‘can cause dizziness’ may cause dizziness or ‘use caution’ or ‘do not operate machinery or vehicles’ they need to pay attention to those safety messages,” Neal said.

Neal said a number of DUI charges these days come from legal prescribed medication.

“Depending on the environment that they’re in, they could have taken the medicine and it could be effecting them and they don’t need to be behind the wheel and they’re actually impaired, it’s a problem we’re seeing with prescription drugs,” Neal said.

Talk with your doctor about how and when to take medication to keep safe on the roads.