GEM warns against winter cold driving

When the clocks are put back this weekend it will mark the start of winter and many school children and employees will be travelling home in unfamiliar afternoon darkness.

However, this will not be the only danger that we will encounter on our roads in the next few weeks.  November through to December is also the official start of the cold and flu ‘season’ when drivers are forced to dose themselves up with medicines and drugs to ward off coughs, colds and other winter ailments.  Road Safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is greatly concerned that such medication may seriously affect drivers’ abilities to maintain proper control of their vehicles and in turn cause accidents on the roads.

David Williams, MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist said, “Too many motorists fail to heed the warnings on certain medication packets and can find themselves becoming drowsy and dangerously tired at the wheel.  Driving under the influence of drugs (even those prescribed by a doctor) is a serious criminal offence and can be dealt with in the same way as a drink driving conviction.”

GEM has produced a free information leaflet, which has been endorsed by Dr Chris Steele MBE, ITV’s This Morning’s resident health expert, to give motorists essential medication advice.

Mr Williams added, “It is vital that motorists who are taking medication consult their doctor or pharmacist to check that the drug will not adversely affect their driving.  Regrettably too often the warnings on medicine packaging are vague and difficult to find which causes great confusion and can lead to real dangers on our roads.  I hope that many drivers will download our leaflet or ask for a free printed copy.”