02.28.09
Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery
“Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery While Taking This Medication” is a warning label you may have seen on your prescription bottles. Many a joke has been written about this label. After all, not many of us have a bulldozer sitting in our driveway. However, as it applies to Georgia DUI matters, this label certainly suggests you should think twice about driving your car while taking the drug.
Georgia DUI law prohibits driving under the influence of any drug if one is a less safe driver as a result of that influence. It absolutely does not matter if the drug was legally prescribed and taken. “But I had a prescription” will not help your defense if you rear-end someone on your way home from work. If it’s a drug that inhibits your ability to drive, there’s a chance you may be DUI if you drive while taking the drug. Furthermore, the drugs at issue are not limited to the obvious pain killers and muscle relaxants. Some sleep aids, anti-smoking drugs, antidepressants and a myriad of other medications carry the warning and may have a real impact on your driving ability.
So if you see this warning on your medication, please don’t think it only applies to construction workers. Take the time to understand the drug’s effects on you, and if there is any doubt, don’t drive until you are through taking the medication.
K & B, llc
