The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Biker Safety: Motorcycles and Medication
March 11, 2010

Recently, I had the world’s worst toothache. The pain was absolutely unbearable and I needed help. So, I went to the dentist and got a prescription for pain medication.

My toothache also corresponded with a very nice weekend. All week, I looked forward to the weekend so I can put some major miles on my motorcycle. Once I figured out that the dentist would be able to help me manage the pain of the toothache, I figured I still would be able to ride.

Then I took one of the pain pills.

Very quickly after taking one of the pain pills, I quickly realized that riding my motorcycle would not be an option. The pain medication made me extremely sleepy and I noticed my motor skills were very sluggish. In this case, motorcycles and medication don’t mix.

Everyone knows that motorcycles and alcohol and motorcycles and illegal drugs don’t mix at all. Riding a motorcycle under the influence of medication is an equally bad idea.

If you are taking medication, here are a few safety tips to follow:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist: Make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if operating a vehicle is ok when taking the medication they prescribed. Make sure to follow their instructions fully.

• Read the instructions: Read the instructional information that comes with your prescription. Usually the information will state likely effects of the medications and whether you should operate a vehicle or not.

• Take medication as prescribed: Do not alter the dosage of the medication without speaking to your doctor. Changing the dosage can have adverse affects or enhance the negative affects of the medication.

• Eat and drink:  Make sure to eat and drink fluids as instructed by your doctor. Some medications can make you ill or increase the adverse effects if you don’t.

• Watch for interactions: Even a small amount of alcohol, other medications, or certain foods can cause a negative interaction.

Be safe, be smart, and don’t take any unnecessary risks when it comes to riding your motorcycle. There will be plenty of nice days in the future to ride so if you are on medication that impairs your skills, simply wait until you are cleared by your doctor to ride.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.