Drivers On Prescription Opioids Twice as Likely to Cause Deadly Crash

Prescription opioids double risk of fatal car crashes

A recent study performed at Columbia University found that prescription opioid use carries significant risks not just to the user, but also others on the road. Columbia researchers examined fatal two-vehicle crashes over a 24-year period where one driver was cited as causing the accident and looked at toxicology reports for drug use.

Researchers concluded that driver use of prescription opioids was associated with causing fatal accidents regardless of alcohol use. Drivers on prescription opioids like Vicodin, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone or others were twice as likely to cause a fatal accident. Most accidents occurred when the driver failed to stay in their lane. The researchers also noted, "While counseling patients about the risks of opioid analgesics, clinicians should take into consideration these medications' adverse effect on driving safety."

Prescription Opioids Used as Directed Cause Impairment

The risks of addiction and death with even short term prescription opioid use is now well known, but the impairment caused by prescription opioids when used as directed in not well appreciated or discussed. As this study noted, "Opioid use may result in dizziness, drowsiness, and sedation, which may impair the requisite psychomotor and cognitive skills necessary for safe driving." Opioid medications cause impairment that can also significantly increase risks at work. It's startling how often these medications are still used for work injuries, especially when these workers are returned to using large industrial equipment while taking these opioids. Patients also have to be careful with similar side effects caused by muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety meds, and antidepressants.

Not only do opioid painkillers carry high risks, recent studies have indicated they are far less effective as a treatment for chronic pain than long assumed. With this high burden of risk, it's best to follow updated pain management guidelines that recommend chiropractic and non-drug treatment first. Not only is there no associated impairment, but chiropractic treatment is associated with improved function and reaction time. Whenever possible, try non-drug treatment like chiropractic for pain first and reduce your risk with driving or using heavy equipment.

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