MOST people know it is illegal to drive when drunk or after taking illegal drugs.
But how many people would think twice about driving after taking over- the-counter pain killers or a prescribed drug?
Disturbing new figures from Calderdale Council show one in four people killed in road crashes have at least one type of medicinal drug in their system.
Peter Shepherdson, Calderdale Council's road safety officer, said: "Some prescribed medicines and over-the-counter medicines can affect your co-ordination and cause drowsiness.
"This can seriously impair your ability to drive."
Drugs likely to affect reaction times or cause drowsiness include strong painkillers, tranquillisers, sleeping tablets, antihistamines, antidepressants and some over-the- counter cold cures.
Mixing over-the- counter cold, cough or hayfever products can also be dangerous.
Mr Shepherdson urged people to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether their medication is safe to take while driving.
He said the law made no distinction between driving affected by medicinal drugs and driving under the influence of excess alcohol or illegal drugs.
Anyone caught can face a fine of up to £5,000, six months in prison and losing their driving licence for six months.
