Oct 08, 2014
Sleeping Medication and Driving
An interesting point of law came up this week that everyone should be aware of. Some people sleepwalk, we all know this. What many of you may not know is that people can sleep drive as well - and if you are caught behind the wheel of your car sleep driving after taking any sleep medication - you will be arrested for DUI. At least that is what the courts in California have determined. I think the lesson here is one of immense caution. Let's say you have taken your Ambien and gone to bed. It's a Friday night and your kid calls up needing a ride home. You don't want them riding with friends who could be intoxicated, and you certainly don't want them hitching a ride with strangers, so you go to pick them up. However, your tail light is out and you get pulled over. If the officer suspects you are under the influence of any substance, he may arrest you for DUI. Sometimes the most innocent-seeming actions can lead to legal troubles. Of course, we recommend that you do not drive if you have taken any substance which could impair your ability to drive.