In Arkansas, the risk of being charged with a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense is not limited to those who are grappling with alleged alcohol impairment. The use of prescription and over-the-counter medications before driving can also result in a DWI charge if they impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
If you are a resident of Arkansas or a visitor to The Natural State, it’s important to understand that even if a medication is legally prescribed by a doctor, using it before or while driving can lead to serious legal consequences if it affects your coordination, judgment and/or reaction time.
What you need to know
Certain medications, including prescription drugs such as painkillers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids, can cause side effects that may cause slowed reaction time, impaired cognitive functions and other physical challenges that impact your ability to operate your vehicle safely. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications, including many cold and allergy medications, can also cause drowsiness or blurred vision, leading to impaired driving.
As such, it’s important to read the warning labels on medications and to remain aware of any potential side effects of any medications you take that could impact your driving. Additionally, you’ll want to keep in mind that combining medications or mixing them with even small amounts of alcohol can amplify their effects, making it even more dangerous to drive.
Ultimately, Arkansas has outlawed the act of operating a vehicle if a motorist is under the influence of any substance that impairs their ability to drive safely, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. The legal standard at issue in such cases is whether a driver’s mental or physical capabilities have been significantly diminished, making it unsafe for them to operate a vehicle.