Prescription medication and driving: informing consumers about the risk

摘要

Amid growing evidence for the impairing effects of certain prescription medicines on driving,warnings on medication packaging and public awareness campaigns are key components ofrisk communication strategies on this issue. Research evidence suggests that current labellingdoes not adequately communicate the extent of the medication and driving risk, and that there isa lack of information and public awareness initiatives to inform consumers. This is of concerngiven that the decision to drive rests with the consumer, and the ability to demonstrate that thedriver was adequately informed about the risks is a crucial legal issue in impaired driving cases.Proposed is a review of selected diverse approaches to medication warnings about drivingimpairment and related public education information. The reviewed warning labels and riskcommunication strategies will be benchmarked with recently released guidelines for riskcommunication on this topic. Interviews with key informants from relevant health and transportagencies will be conducted to obtain information concerning policy development considerations.Importantmedico-legal implications for assessing impairment will be highlighted. The findings ofthe review will inform research priority setting, policy and risk communication strategydevelopment in the area.