ADHD and Driving: Risks and Safety Strategies

Research has shown that teenagers and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to be at an increased risk of driving impairments. This is not surprising given the core symptoms of ADHD—including distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness—which can impede safe driving and often lead to severe accidents.

One study found that drivers with ADHD had a 45% to 47% increased rate of severe transport accidents (defined as serious injury or death) compared to drivers without ADHD in both men and women. In this study, investigators also explored how ADHD medication influences risks among subjects with ADHD.

In this article, we'll learn how ADHD medication use may reduce rates of accidents and other strategies to ensure safety for drivers with ADHD.

Risks Associated With ADHD and Driving

Many drivers with ADHD find they have difficulty maintaining vigilance and keeping their minds focused while on the road.

Distractions within the car, such as cell phones, radio, passengers, and outside the car—road construction, “rubbernecking” while driving by accidents, and general points of interest alongside the road—can make it even more challenging to stay focused. Impulsive errors and reactions, as well as slower and delayed reactions, can also heighten risks for drivers with ADHD.

Stimulation-seeking behaviors, including driving at high speeds, curving aggressively, any risk-taking behaviors—can further impede safety. Even impatience while driving, which can sometimes escalate to angry reactions, like road rage, seems to be more prevalent in adults with ADHD.

Strategies to Help Reduce ADHD and Driving Risks

Below are five strategies to consider to reduce driving risks associated with ADHD:

Take Any Prescribed ADHD Medication

Medication has been shown to be effective in improving driving performance in adults with ADHD.

If you have been prescribed medicine to help with ADHD symptoms, it is important that you are diligent about taking your medicine on a schedule that ensures you have adequate levels of medicine in your bloodstream when you are most likely to be driving—for example, in the morning to work and during the late afternoon route home.

Reduce Distractions

Remove all potential distractions from within the car. Turn off the cell phone and put it out of reach so that you aren’t tempted to use it while driving. Avoid eating while driving. Adjust the radio, heat/air conditioning, mirrors, etc. only while the car is stopped.

Drive a Car With a Manual Transmission

Consider whether you are a more attentive driver when using a manual transmission, as opposed to an automatic. Use of a manual transmission has been demonstrated to be associated with greater arousal. Adults (and children) with ADHD tend to be more productive and focused when an activity is involving and engaging.

For some people with ADHD shifting gears manually while driving provides a positive level of stimulation that is helpful in maintaining focus.

Never Drink and Drive

Never drink alcohol and drive. Adults with ADHD are more adversely affected in their driving by even low doses of alcohol than drivers without ADHD.

Buckle Up

Always wear your seatbelt. Make this part of your routine as soon as you get in the car. If you need to put a brightly colored sticky note on your dashboard as a reminder, do so.