drug driving

[lynz]

independent.co.uk/news/uk/p...

dont know if this will work ,or if someone else has already put it on ,but its a bit of a worry i think .someone i know put it on another site so thought id share .

hugs lynz x

[Hidden]

Thank you so much for posting this article Lynz, it certainly makes us think doesn't it! I take Solpadol which is 500mg Paracetamol 30mg Codeine x2 per dose. I take it up to 4 times daily with my other meds. I have a strong constitution so some meds that others feel "zombied out" on don't affect me at all. The article is worrying particularly as people can take the recommended dose set by their Doctor but the effect is variable from one person to the next. So you could say one person is fit to drive but the other may not be and yet they've taken the same dose. Hope that makes sense.

The article doesn't confirm that people who take Codeine are definitely going to be at risk of being charged, it implies that Heroin and Cocaine users are most at risk. The article reads -

"Ministers have insisted they are targeting the worst threats, particularly those who go on the road after using Class-A drugs such as heroin and cocaine. However, critics have complained that the measures could hit innocent motorists who take legitimate painkillers to ease often chronic conditions." (this is the indirect reference to Codeine and Morphine)

I made the decision a few months ago that I would limit my driving because at times my concentration is definitely not as sharp as before Fibromyalgia. I only ever drive if I feel confident and 100% competent and that my reactions are as keen as before. It's not worth the risk otherwise. Now I will definitely think about the meds I take too.

Very worrying for all Fibro drivers, please be careful everyone.

[lynz in reply to Hidden]

thats ok im very impressed that i managed to get the link on

[nadine1974]

the drug test tests for opiates, unfortunatly opiates include cocaine and codiene!!!!

however, a phone call to doctors can confirm you are taking them legitamitley so dont worry!!!

[Hidden]

Taking them legitimately has no bearing unfortunately Nadine. Even taking prescribed opiates like Codeine at the recommended dose from your Doctor or Consultant still puts you at risk of being charged with Drug Driving. That is the whole essence of the article and what is proposed. It is definitely something we have to be careful about if this comes into effect.

Here is the section of the article which covers this point -

"Ministers have confirmed that the "opioid-based medicines" may be covered by the new offence of drug-driving, even if they have been supplied by a doctor and the recommended dose is taken."

[lynz in reply to Hidden]

this really is a scary prospect if i cant drive cause of meds i will be house bound ,i wonder if mobility scooters count ,hmmm i wonder lol

[Hidden]

would this legislation include Tramadol does any body know?

Cazx

[kraftyk8 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Caz,

Tramadol is classed as an Opiate, so if Opiates are included the answer, unfortunately, is yes!

Junkie hugs, kate

[Hidden in reply to kraftyk8]

thanks for the reply, I don't know how we are supposed to cope!

[lynz in reply to Hidden]

i know ,i cant just not take my meds ,if i do that i wont beable to walk ,let alone drive ,its a scary prospect .

[Lima6MCT]

If I know I'm going to be driving I won't take anything stronger than paracetamol & only take codeine-based or similar meds before bed & once I get home again.

If I take codeine during the day & hubby or son decide to ask me to drive them somewhere I just tell them to get a bus!

[fenbadger]

I think the test is planned to be about capability but how do you measure it. It's early days yet. We may end up with an alcohol type test there mg per unit will be tested. Let's wait and see.

I don't think anyone can disagree that driving while incapable for any reason is irresponsible and potentially fatal.

Oh, and driving while incapable is already an offence and will automatically invalidate insurance. This seems intended to put visible limits on. You don't have to prove capability after your test but you do need to sure you are, and can be with doctor's advice. There is a system at DVLA for temporarily surrendering licenses during illness or recovery from surgery for instance.