Teens are at far greater risk of death in an alcohol-related crash than the overall population. This is despite the fact they cannot legally purchase or publicly possess alcohol in any state. When alcohol is added to the inexperience of teen drivers, the results can be deadly. Drunk male teenage drivers are 18 times more likely than a sober male teen driver to be killed in a single-vehicle crash. Drunk female teenage drivers are 54 times more likely to be killed than a sober counterpart. 

Not only does alcohol impair your ability to drive safely, but many illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs can also impair your ability to drive. Drugs other than alcohol are involved in approximately 20 percent of deaths among motorists each year. Additionally, combining drugs and alcohol further increases their negative side effects and greatly increases the risk of causing a crash. 

Drugs affect your brain function and can seriously impair your ability to drive safely. For example, marijuana can slow reaction time, impair judgment of time and distance, and decrease coordination. Cocaine and methamphetamine can cause a driver to be aggressive and reckless when driving, and certain kinds of sedatives can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Opioids can make you drowsy and can slow reaction time. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as sleeping pills, cough medicines, antihistamines and decongestants can also affect your driving skills in a variety of ways. 

It is always important to review warning labels about a medication’s side effects prior to driving. If you have any questions about a medication’s side effects, it is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before driving. Remember that when you see a warning label that states, “Don’t operate heavy machinery,”your vehicle is considered heavy machinery! 

If you are concerned about a loved one’s or your own substance use, the PA Get Help Now helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This toll-free resource is staffed 24/7 to answer your questions and connect you to treatment providers.