As summer has begun, I fully encourage you to schedule the time to relax with family and friends and take advantage of all that New Jersey has to offer. With that in mind, it’s important to remain safe on the roads as more people are driving throughout the state. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety have partnered to share the risks of prescriptions opioids and their link to impaired driving with residents throughout the state. In an initiative launched this month, more than 900 independent pharmacies have begun to dispense prescriptions in bags with a message alerting customers of the possible side effects of medications and the reminder that “There is no safe way to drive under the influence.” I am delighted to share this week’s blog from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety about the importance of this initiative to protect New Jersey residents this summer and beyond.
Today we also commemorate Juneteenth. The emancipation of all those freed from enslavement on this day in 1865 reminds us that dignity and respect are universal values.
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NJ Division of Highway Traffic & Safety
During the "101 Days of Summer," from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we enter the busiest and most dangerous travel time of the year. With beautiful weather and New Jersey's seemingly endless entertainment and recreational destinations, the roads will be even busier than usual, with travelers anxious to make the most of their summer.
Safe driving should always be a priority for New Jersey's many residents and visitors, but during this particularly busy time of year, it's important to remind everyone of the dangers of driving impaired. While alcohol remains the substance most commonly responsible for impaired driving crashes, other illicit and recreational drugs can be equally dangerous. Additionally, and not often talked about, there are risks from prescription medications. The dangers of driving after drinking or using drugs known to cause impairment are something that most understand. However, prescription medications are often not viewed the same way. It is these drugs that are quietly causing crashes and injuring users who are probably unaware of how they are being affected by their medication.
Please ask your prescriber about the impacts of driving when under the influence of medications. Many medications can impair cognitive function, reaction time and motor skills, making driving or operating heavy machinery unsafe. Combining these medications with alcohol can significantly enhance their impairing effects, often with only one or two drinks. It is important to thoroughly read medication labels, heed any warnings about driving or operating heavy machinery and discuss with your healthcare providers about potential side effects. For the safety of all road users in New Jersey, it's essential to understand and communicate that impaired driving can result from prescription medications, not just alcohol, recreational drugs, or other illicit substances.
During the summer season, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, is committed to enhancing road safety and reducing crashes and fatalities, but we can't do it alone. We need everyone to do their part and work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all New Jerseyans. Remember, safe driving saves lives.