Does diazepam affect driving ability?

Abstract

Landauer (Med J Aust, 1981; 1: 624-626) contended that diazepam medication should not preclude car driving, since it relieves anxiety, aggression and depression. There is no clear evidence that diazepam's therapeutic effect improves driving. The bulk of evidence suggests that diazepam is harmful to driving ability even in appropriate patient populations. The detrimental effects of alcohol on driving ability are also exacerbated by diazepam. I would recommend that patients taking diazepam should avoid driving, especially if they have taken any alcohol.