When is it safe to get behind the wheel?
The length of time varies widely because the individuals and their needs are so different.
So while you may feel like yourself, your ability to drive and your judgment may be severely hampered.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Driving After Anesthesia
Refrain from driving for the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving anesthesia.
If you receive sedation or pain medication after your surgery, your return to driving will be delayed further.
A Word From Verywell
The decision to drive after surgery is fraught with legal and safety issues.
Only yourhealthcare providercan advise you about this, and you should listen and be patient.
U.S. Department of Transportation.Effects of Anesthesia and Surgery.
Harvard Medical School.Anesthesia and How To Prepare For It.Harvard Health Publications.
Rimmer, A.Over half of anaesthetictrainees have hadcar crash or near miss after night shift.BMJ2017;358:j3328.
Chung F, Kayumov L, Sinclair DR, Edward R, Moller HJ, Shapiro CM.
What is the driving performance of ambulatory surgical patients after general anesthesia?.
2005;103(5):951-6.
