Personally, after reading about this risk, I would simply reject the drug. If there was a problem with getting to sleep, I might request something older, or more proven.
Perhaps you could have some mechanism to lock up your car keys that is so complex (e.g. computerised challenge-response that requires serious thinking), that wouldn't work if you were "sleepwalking."
OTOH, as I say before, rejecting the drug is simpler.
I recall reading of some situations where a convicted drink-driver has a probation condition where a "breathalyzer" device is installed in his-her car. But non-alcohol drugs cannot be detected so easily or quickly.
On the third hand, the original article had a few attention- getting points:
The stats are based upon arrests for impaired driving.
Some incidents involved people deliberately taking the drug before driving, expecting it to kick in upon their arrival home. And end up nodding out halfway there.
There was often use of alcohol, despite the label warning.
There were some cases of Ambien end, suggesting ongoing abuse by the user (or, at least, violating the instructions-warnings.)
Even those, "Do not drive or operate heavy equipment" warnings appear on numerous medications. And I expect that many people violate those. Some getting away with it, and some with disastrous accidents to themselves or others. The, "Ambian Is Bad" makes for an attention-getting newspaper article, even though the real problem is general and chronic.
There is lots and lots of over-confidence and denial with regards to driving. Also regarding the general use of prescription medication.
My suggestion is for individuals to avoid Ambien, and for the manufacturer to be coerced into much stronger warning labels.
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