Pubdate: Fri, 23 Oct 1998
Source: Independent, The (UK)
Contact:  http://www.independent.co.uk/
Copyright: Published by Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Author: Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor 

TRANQUILLISERS KILL 100 ON ROADS

Tranquillisers taken by millions of patients a year, such as Valium,
are creating a menace on Britain's roads. Drowsiness caused by the
drugs is contributing to more than 1,500 accidents and over 100 deaths
a year, according to a study.

University of Dundee researchers who examined 20,000 drivers involved
in accidents in the Tayside area found those taking benzodiazepine
(used for anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia) were a 62 per cent
higher risk. Drivers under 45 on the drugs were three times more
likely to be in an accident.

Tom MacDonald and colleagues from the Medicines Monitoring
Unit say in The Lancet: "Users of these drugs should be
advised not to drive."
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Checked-by: Patrick Henry