the driver's handbook

138
d R I V E R S A N d L I C E N S I N G
Suggestions:
• Remind yourself that both prescribed and over-the-counter
medications may have a bad effect on your driving skills and level
of alertness.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine what are the
side effects of a prescribed medication and how they apply to
your driving. If more than one doctor is prescribing drugs for you,
make sure all of them know about all of the drugs you are taking,
whether prescribed or not.
• Read all labels and instructions on prescriptions and over-thecounter
drugs so you know the side effects, even for drugs used
to treat the common cold.
These are examples of warning labels:
The only safe action is not to drink alcohol at all if you
intend to drive. Also, avoid travelling with anyone who
has been drinking.
The Driver’s Handbook
12. Do you stay up-to-date with current
information on health practices and habits?
It has to be repeated that as you age, inevitably there will be some
reduction of driving ability. One of the purposes of this self-rating
system is to help to show you that through knowledge and
self-awareness you will understand what a safe driver is, and will
assume the responsibility to remain or become one, or decide to
give up your driver’s licence.
It is important to appreciate the close ties between a healthy lifestyle
and driving skills. The attitude that encourages you to remain
informed on health matters probably will also help you to feel in
control of your future as a driver.
Suggestions:
• Become more aware of the relationships between good health
habits and your driving.
• Take as much control as you can of your lifestyle, recognising
the obvious connection between control of personal health and
skill in driving.
• Understand the value of nutrition, exercise, medical check-ups
and the effects of medication, drugs and alcohol.