Psychoactive Medications, Stimulants, Hypnotics, and Nutritional Aids: Effects on Driving Alertness and Performance

This article reviews the effects various psychoactive chemical substances have on roadway driving alertness and performance. Of concern are prescribed and self-administered medications, other drugs, stimulants, hypnotics, and nutritional supplements, including energy drinks that drivers sometimes ingest. This article discusses possible application of such compounds to maintain attentive driving, with special focus on how chemical substances affect the safe driving performance of commercial long-haul truck drivers and bus/motorcoach drivers. Cautions and recommendations are offered for highway safety advocates, employers, commercial drivers, and for the driving public.