Medications and the Safety of the Older Driver: Is There a Basis for Concern?

Medications with central nervous system (CNS) effects, including benzodiazepines, cyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, and hypoglycemics, have been thought to have the potential to impair driving. These drugs impair performance in younger drivers and some have been linked to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human factors 1992-02, Vol.34 (1), p.33-47
Main Authors: Ray, Wayne A., Gurwitz, Jerry, Decker, Michael D., Kennedy, Dianne L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidents, Traffic - prevention & control
Aged
Analgesics
Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Automobile Driving
Benzodiazepines
Brain - drug effects
Central nervous system
Crashes
Driving ability
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Humans
Hypoglycemia
Motor vehicles
Psychotropic Drugs - adverse effects
Risk Factors
Safety
Traffic accidents & safety
Vehicle safety
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Description
Summary:Medications with central nervous system (CNS) effects, including benzodiazepines, cyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, and hypoglycemics, have been thought to have the potential to impair driving. These drugs impair performance in younger drivers and some have been linked to an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Even though persons 65 years of age and older frequently take these drugs and are more susceptible to CNS effects, no direct data exist regarding whether or not medications adversely affect driving safety in this population. Thus there is an urgent need for further research in this area.
ISSN:0018-7208
1547-8181
DOI:10.1177/001872089203400105