Driving While ADHD

Executive function skills and the ability to regulate emotions are crucial when we're driving.

A study of 17,000 ADHD adults in Sweden found that with ADHD, a person’s risk of a car crash is 45 percent higher than a person without the disorder. The same study showed medication decreasing that risk significantly.

People with ADHD often have quick decision-making skills and creative problem-solving abilities which can work to advantage on the road. Whether you're taking a long road trip or just cruising around town, your ADHD may give you an extra edge behind the wheel.

On the other hand, impatience, impulsivity, frustration and inability to resist distraction will make driving challenging--even dangerous.

How would you rate your driving relative to ADHD?

Consider this:

• Drivers with ADHD are more likely than drivers without ADHD to rate themselves poorly on driving habits.

• Drivers with ADHD are more likely than drivers without ADHD to be legally at fault for traffic incidents.

• Drivers with ADHD have more severe crashes and are more likely to be killed in a car crash than drivers without ADHD

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-driving-risks-research-safety/

Other research suggests that ADHD drivers are more likely to speed, drive erratically, tap the brakes at inappropriate times, and accelerate into accidents.

Research indicates that ADHD medication – stimulants in particular – may improve driving safety and mitigate risk for drivers with ADHD.