A study of the effectiveness of driving medication warnings

There is evidence that certain medications can impair driving performance. A key traffic safety countermeasure used in Australia to alert consumers to the risk is the display of warnings on medications that have the potential to impair driving. There is recent evidence, supported in some areas in this study, that Australian consumers have low levels of knowledge and awareness of possible impairing effects. This raises the question of the effectiveness of the warnings, and whether there are ways in which they can be improved to enhance their impact on consumer awareness and behaviour. While there is a large body of research investigating warning effectiveness, very little research has specifically investigated medication warnings about driving impairment. The Australian warning approach requires consumers to self-assess any impairment, while an alternative approach in use in France advises consumers to seek advice from a health professional about driving. The French warnings also differ on visual characteristics and have a system of graded risk communication. Another difference is that the highest risk Australian warning also raises the need monitor associated alcohol use