ANTI-STRESS TABLETS LINKED TO DEATH ON THE ROADS

PEOPLE who drive while taking tranquillisers cause a significant
number of road deaths and accidents each year, a recent study reveals.

A survey of nearly 20,000 accidents showed drivers taking Valium,
Librium, Ativan and other tranquillisers are a risk on the roads and
in Britain last year, caused an estimated 110 fatalities and 1,600
accidents.

The authors of the report, carried out at the University of Dundee and
published in Lancet medical journal found warnings on packets advising
users not to operate heavy machinery or drive were not enough.

They say GPs should back this up with a strong message to patients at
the time of prescription not to do so.

The researchers found the most hazardous drugs to be anxiolytic
benzodiazephines taken to ease panic attacks and reduce stress.

However, it was shown most hypnotic benzodiazephines taken at night
for insomnia and anti-depressants showed no obvious links to road accidents.

One of the authors, Tom McDonald said the study which included tests
on a person's ability to co-ordinate their movements under the
influence of anxiolytic benzodiazephines, showed evidence
tranquilliser users had an increased risk of causing road accidents
and should not be allowed to drive while taking them.

The report's findings takes some of the focus off drink-driving and
speeding as the chief causes of road accidents.

Over 350 people were killed in road accidents here [Ireland] since the
beginning of the year.

Currently in Britain, misuse of either legal or illegal drugs can lead
to driving licences being revoked by the Department of Transport.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry