When you take certain medications, they have warnings on the back label. The warnings may tell you not to take too many doses in a certain timeframe, for instance. Another warning may be that you're not supposed to operate heavy machinery while you are using said medication.

Many people skim right over this and assume that it doesn't apply to them. They imagine construction workers operating power tools or bulldozers. They were never planning on operating “heavy machinery” in the first place, so they don't even think about it. But what does heavy machinery actually mean? 

It refers to your car

It is true that construction workers and others who use power tools and heavy equipment need to be careful about working if they've been taking these medications. But the instructions are not just there for workers. In reality, the warning refers to a motor vehicle. You are not supposed to drive your car while you're using that medication.

This is important to note because it's possible to get arrested on impaired driving charges, even without drinking or using illegal drugs. Taking certain prescription medications could still trigger an arrest. For instance, if you're driving your vehicle under the influence of painkillers, you certainly may have a prescription for them – so you haven't broken any drug laws – but you could still potentially get arrested on impaired driving charges. Impairment goes far beyond alcohol and also includes illegal drugs, prescription medications and things of this nature.

If you are facing criminal charges after a car accident, especially if they're due to an honest mistake, be sure you know exactly what legal defense options you have.

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