The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new campaign to encourage drivers to check the side effects of any medications they are taking.

The move is part of the DfT’s THINK! road safety campaign and has been launched by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark.

The campaign will distribute one million leaflets via 2,600 branches of high-street chemist Boots – and bags containing medications will be labelled with stickers advising patients to check any side effects before getting behind the wheel of their car.

A campaign in August last year used TV, radio and online ads to target those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs.

Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said, however, that it was not only illegal drugs that could affect drivers’ reactions and responses behind the wheel – prescription medicines could also impair driving ability.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign on Thursday (07/01/10), Mr Clark said:

‘We have already run a hard-hitting campaign to tackle those who drive after taking illegal drugs. But it is not just illegal drugs which can affect your driving. 

‘Some medicines may cause drowsiness and impair judgement, increasing the risk of an accident. That is why we are raising awareness of the potential effects of over-the-counter and prescription medicines on driving ability with this new campaign.’

Mr Clark added:

‘I am delighted that Boots UK is helping us to get this message direct to their customers.’

Boots’ professional standards director and superintendent pharmacist, Paul Bennett, said

that it was ‘vital’ for anyone taking medicines to follow the instructions and take the full course.

‘However, people also need to take into account the potential effects their medicine may have on their ability to drive,’ he added.

‘Regulations already require that a warning is included in the patient information of every medicine which may have such an effect. However, we hope that providing additional information when people collect medicines will prompt them to find out more from their doctor or pharmacist.’

If the THINK! campaign is successful in Boots, then it will be rolled out to other pharmacies across the country, said the DfT.

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