Tranquilliser risk
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• Drivers who use tranquillisers are involved in 1,600 road accidents every year-110 of them fatal.
Researchers from the University of Dundee are urging drivers who use such drugs as Valium. Librium and Ativan to stay off the road, following a study of nearly 20,000 accident reports in Tayside between 1992 and 1995.
These were compared with prescription records, which showed a link between users and accidents.
Drivers under the age of 45
were almost three times more at risk of causing an accident while using the drugs, and the danger was increased further if they had consumed alcohol.
The most dangerous drugs are anxiolytic benzodiazepines taken during the day to reduce stress and anxiety. A new sleeping tablet. zopiclone, has also been highlighted as one to watch.
Although the packets of the drugs in question all warn users not to drive, the study suggests that many are ignoring the advice.