Prescription drug talks
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• Transport Minister Steven Norris is holding talks with Department of Health officials in an attempt to clarify warnings about driving while taking certain prescribed drugs.
He is particularly concerned about the dangers of commercial vehicle drivers taking prescribed drugs that affect the central nervous system.
European Union law requires the packaging of all drugs that affect the central nervous system to clearly state the risks when driving, but Norris believes better labelling is needed. This follows a study in the Netherlands claiming that 4,500 deaths are caused in the EU every year by drivers being under the influence of drugs (CM11-17 Jan).
The Department of Transport says: "The minister is particularly concerned about the road safety dangers of driving when taking strong medication and he will back moves to make warnings on labels clearer and more noticeable,"