Is it still considered driving
while impaired (DWI) if you took a prescribed drug? In the State of North Carolina (and several other
states), the answer is yes. Driving under the influence of
prescription drugs can have the same possible impairments brought by alcohol or
other illegal substances, which means that if your medication affected your
driving skills, you could be charged with DWI.
There are various medicines
that can affect your ability to focus on driving safely. Some drugs prescribed
for lifelong conditions like asthma can cause drowsiness. For diseases like
diabetes or other mental illnesses, the medicines can cause weakness from
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or from imbalances in hormones. Sleeping
pills can also have lingering effects the day after they are taken.
Even if you take them exactly
as prescribed by your doctor, the negative cognitive effects might still be
evident. Many drugs come with the warning not to drive when you take them, and
doctors generally advise you the same. If you get arrested, your blood can be
tested for substances that can impair how you drive, and you could be convicted
if the results confirm their presence.
Defenses
If your driving skills were
impaired because of a prescribed medication and you’re facing charges, consult
a Raleigh DWI lawyer. They can help you with your defense to get the best
outcome for the case.
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