Amphetamines speed up and impair the normal activity of the brain. These effects mean that it’s dangerous to drive after using amphetamines because they can:

• Create a tunnel vision effect which reduces the ability to see and react to hazards whilst driving
• Create a false sense of alertness and confidence while actually reducing the ability to make quick and correct decisions
• Cause dizziness, blurred vision, loss of coordination and other physical side affects
• Make people anxious, irritable, hostile or aggressive, which can lead to risky driving
• As the effects of the drug wear off, the driver can suddenly be subject to long microsleeps.

Doctors rarely prescribe amphetamines for drivers. However, If prescribed, strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. Make sure your doctor knows and discusses with you the risk of driving.

It is illegal to drive while affected by methamphetamines such as speed and ice. There is no safe amount. It is also an offence to drive while imparied by any drug, including drugs legally prescribed. For information on offences and penalities, see Drugs and Driving.

Amphetamines and fatigue
Whilst amphetamines arouse brain activity and reduce the ability to sleep, they do not reverse some of the dangerous impairment effects of fatigue for drivers.

Fatigued drivers who take amphetamines to continue driving are impaired and at a significantly increased risk of a crash.

Amphetamines affect people in different ways
The effects of amphetamines vary from person to person. Effects depend on factors such as:

• How much is used
• The person’s experience with the drug
• The person’s physical and psychological state, which can be a complex mix of personal factors and environmental factors.
• How long its been since the person last used amphetamines

Amphetamines and alcohol
Alcohol depresses brain activity and whilst amphetamines speed up activity the impairment effects of both drugs persist. Thus using alcohol and amphetamines increases the risk of a crash due to the impairment effects of both drugs.

Plan ahead
To reduce the risk of a serious crash, do not use amphetamines or other drugs if you are going to drive. Remember that using amphetamines reduces your ability to obtain quality sleep and this increases your risk of a fatigue related crash.

Do not drive if:

• Your mind is foggy
• Your hands are shaky
• You are feeling tired, aggressive, anxious, distracted, edgy or confused.

Make alternative arrangement, such as:

• Designate a non-drinking and non-drug taking driver
• Hire a taxi
• Use public transport
• Stay the night (make sure you are not still over the limit in the morning)
• Arrange for someone to pick you up

Only accept a lift if you are certain the driver has not been drinking or using other drugs.