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Pain killers can kill when behind the wheel of a vehicle
Vicodin and other hydrocodone-combination painkillers are the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. Deaths have reached crisis proport
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, deaths from opioid painkillers have risen to about 45 people a day, and more than 16,600 people a year. Opioid pain killers include drugs such as methadone, morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, combined with Lortab and Vicodin. Deaths associated with Opioids have now exceeded all other drug overdose deaths.
According to a study led by Tara Gomes; January 14 in the JAMA Internal Medicine, drivers taking 20 mg of morphine or more per day, or the equivalent, are up to 42% more likely to be involved in road trauma than drivers taking the lowest doses. Painkillers affect each person differently. However, all opioids affect the brain. Therefore, a driver on pain killers is likely to have a decreased driving ability and drug-induced impairment. Those who mix pain killers with other drugs or alcohol increase the severity of the driving impairment.
Acting the part of a ‘safe driver” means to first be responsible with your own personal health and welfare. We all know that driving a motor vehicle is a major responsibility; one which requires clear judgment, good concentration, and fast reaction times. All drugs can affect all of these skills in a very negative way. Pain killers are no exception, proving time and time again to be extremely dangerous for motor vehicle operation. Reduce the possibility of being involved in an auto accident. Follow doctors’ orders exactly as written, and take seriously the dangers and side-effects of any prescription drug that you are taking.
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Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired is risky and irresponsible behavior to those who share the road. The law allows for increased or punitive damages for cases of neglegent driving while under the influence of drugs. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver on drugs, contact a local personal injury law firm immediately. Take Action! The personal injury attorneys of Action Law Offices routinely conduct detailed investigations that uncover critical details that win cases and get the compensation you and your family deserve. Schedule an appointment with an Action Law Attorney at any of six Southeastern Wisconsin locations. In-home and hospital visits also available.