Safety officials want to study medications impact on drivers

(Washington-AP) -- Most people know better than to drink and drive -- but what about medicating before motoring?<br><br>Federal safety officials want to conduct tests to determine if prescription painkillers

Tuesday, January 18th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- Most people know better than to drink and drive -- but what about medicating before motoring?

Federal safety officials want to conduct tests to determine if prescription painkillers and over-the-counter cold pills are linked to fatal highway and railway crashes.

The National Transportation Safety Board already tests pilots who die in crashes for prescription drugs and medications. Now, it
wants similar testing for operators of large trucks and trains and boats and buses.

The N-T-S-B says since 1987, it has investigated over 100 accidents in all modes of passenger transportation in which drivers
may have been impaired by medications.

Officials would like to develop a list of medications that could cause drivers to become drowsy and would like to see them carry a warning symbol.

The safety board's recommendation does not include automobiles.