Business car drivers are likely to be among the highest risk road users indulging in an epidemic of pill popping, revealed by an Autoglass survey, which showed that 54% of UK motorists use medication despite knowing of the potentially dangerous on-the-road consequences.
Due to inherently higher mileages covered by company car drivers, fleet managers are being alerted to the risks of driving while unfit through drugs and overdosing on over-the-counter medication. Penalties include six months in jail, a 12-month driving ban and a £5000 fine.
Out of 3000 drivers surveyed, 25% admitted to regularly taking more than recommended doses of treatments such as cold and flu remedies, sleeping tablets and particularly relevant during summer months, anti-histamines and other hayfever treatments.
Despite many medicines highlighting possible driving side effects, 49% of those questioned confess to not reading warning labels and 23% admit to also drinking at lunchtime to compound the effects of drugs and sprays.
Matthew Mycock, Autoglass’s managing director, said the report revealed a “huge and alarming problem”, which was as serious as drink driving.
Follow BusinessCar on TWITTER
