Driving and ADHD
Researchers Russell Barkley, PhD,
and Daniel Cox, PhD, reviewed the scientific literature on the driving
risks and impairments associated with ADHD and the effects of stimulant
medication on driving performance. Among their findings:
 Young drivers with ADHD are two to four
times more likely to have traffic accidents, three times as likely to
have injuries, four times more likely to be at fault, and six to
eight times more likely to have their licenses suspended.
To date, medication is the only known
treatment shown to help ADHD driving behavior.
Effective behavioral treatments are
needed that can help young drivers with ADHD while driving, or at the
point of performance.
Based on the research, clinicians
should educate patients and caregivers about the increased risk of
adverse outcomes among untreated individuals with ADHD, and the role of
medication in improving driving performance.
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More about teens
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More about ADHD
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With these sobering statistics, it only makes sense for parents and
teens with ADHD to approach driving with caution. As a parent, you
will want to proceed slowly and with much more practice than might be
required for teens without ADHD. An understanding of the importance
of taking medication when driving can be crucial. And clear
expectations on who can be in the car, use of cell phones, curfews, and
the many other distractions of adolescence need to be
addressed. There are programs that have been developed to help
teens learn the skills of driving safely. Read the articles below
to learn more.
 Articles with a key are available to CHADD members. If you
are a member, please log in. If you are not a member, join CHADD today.
ADHD Safe Driving Program - Good news for teens
with ADHD who want to
improve their driving skills and also reduce their risk of car accidents
and traffic violations: The ADHD Safe Driving Program can
help.
Driving Risks in Adolescents and Young Adults with
ADHD - If you are like most parents, the thought of your child with ADHD obtaining a
driver’s license is a cause of major concern, if not downright
scary. You’ve seen firsthand the difficulties your child has with
self-control, staying focused, paying attention, and resisting
distractions, and you know how important these attributes are to safe
driving.
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