What is a common risk for drivers on prescription medications?

Drivers on prescription medications often experience unawareness of how those medications can impair their driving skills. Many people may not realize that even legal and medically-prescribed drugs can have side effects that affect motor coordination, reaction time, and judgment. This lack of awareness can lead to dangerous situations on the road, as drivers may feel capable of operating a vehicle when, in reality, their abilities are compromised. Understanding this risk emphasizes the importance of reading medication labels, consulting healthcare providers about side effects, and recognizing that just because a drug is prescribed does not mean it doesn't carry potential risks while driving.

Enhanced alertness, increased confidence, and the ability to drive long distances without fatigue can be misleading because they do not account for the potential negative impacts of medications that can actually decrease safety while driving.