Drivers beware.

The side effects of sleep aids used to get a good, restful sleep have led to a new impaired driving safety hazard.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that people who used sleeping pills – particularly brands Ambien, Desyrel, or Restoril – doubled their risk of a vehicle crash. 

Earlier findings published in the American Journal of Public Health reinforce federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings about sleeping pills.

The FDA research showed high levels of sleeping pills remain in the bloodstream and the dosage levels remained high enough to interfere with morning driving, increasing the risk of vehicle crashes.

People who took Restoril had a 27% higher risk of being involved in a crash over the five years studied. Those ingesting Desyrel had nearly double the risk — 91% higher. Ambien users had the highest risk — and they were more than twice as likely as non-users to have a car crash over the five years, according to the FDA.

In New Jersey, a motorist charged while under the influence of a prescription drug – including prescription sleeping pills – could face the same charges as someone driving while under the influence of alcohol or the influence of controlled dangerous substances such as heroin and cocaine.

Neither DWI – the abbreviation for “driving while intoxicated” nor DUI “driving under the influence” – differ when it comes to prosecution and sentencing.

Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 (Driving While Intoxicated), both DWI and DUI convictions involve the same fines, surcharges, license suspension, fees, and program requirements.

Anyone considering the use of sleeping pills needs to understand the potential side effects and make careful decisions before driving. 

Cooper Levenson is a full-service law firm established in 1957. The firm includes 70 attorneys with offices in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Wilmington, Del.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla, and Las Vegas, Nev. Call Cooper Levenson Personal Injury Lawyers at (609) 572-7788.