Indiana’s laws regarding operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) cover more than just driving under the influence of alcohol. They also prohibit driving vehicles while using drugs that prevent people from operating automobiles safely, regardless of whether or not you have a doctor’s permission to use the medication.
Many pain medicines, for example, have a soporific effect on their users, meaning they make people sleepy. These medications usually indicate whether or not it is safe to use them and operate heavy machinery. Those that are not safe have a warning on the side of the prescription bottle.
Even over-the-counter medication could lead to an OWI charge if it affects your driving. Cough medicine and allergy medications sometimes cause people to doze off at the wheel, which can endanger the life of the driver as well as any other people around the vehicle.
When you begin taking a new medication, make sure to check with your physician or a pharmacist about the effects the medication can have on your driving skills. They have the knowledge it takes to understand how the drugs might affect your ability to operate a vehicle.
Likewise, if you are pulled over because an officer suspects you of being under the influence of alcohol, the breathalyzer may not indicate intoxication, but a blood test at the station might.
If you are being accused of an OWI, do yourself a favor and talk to one of our skilled Fort Wayne OWI attorneys as soon as possible. We have more than 75 years of combined legal experience to offer your case, and we are dedicated to providing knowledgeable and aggressive advocacy to our clients. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (888) 912-7220 or fill out our online form to schedule a free phone consultation today.
