Adult ADHD Increases Risk for Motor Vehicle Crashes (MVC)

According to a study published online Aug. 22 in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, a person who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms that persist into adulthood is more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash (MVC.)

Gregory Fabiano, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Buffalo and ADHD specialist, said that it is not the diagnosis of ADHD that causes risky driving, but rather the behaviors that make up the diagnosis account for its risk.

Arunima Roy, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., from the Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research at the University of Ottawa in Canada, and colleagues analyzed 441 participants who were diagnosed with ADHD during childhood, and a comparison group of 239 age- and sex-matched participants who did not have childhood ADHD.

All participants of the study were evaluated at least once in adulthood.

The studies show that those with childhood ADHD were associated with a higher number of MVCs and persistence of this condition into adulthood showed more MVCs incidents.

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Increased Risk of Car Crash

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders affecting children as well as adults. Common symptoms include inattention (unable to focus), hyperactivity (an excessive movement that is not fitting to the current situation), and impulsivity (hasty acts that are done without careful thought). 

Drivers with ADHD are found to be more accident-prone due to their risk-taking behavior. This makes them more vulnerable to factors that interfere with driving. 

They are more likely to experience a car crash or other violations from the first month of driving up to 4 years of driving experience.

Adults with ADHD tend to overestimate their driving skills even if they have poorer driving experiences as compared to their peers.

Distracted Driving

During periods of dull driving, people with ADHD are more at risk of distractions. Driving for long periods of time along areas where high speeds are required can raise the risk of serious accidents. 

Distraction can be found in simple, everyday things like fiddling with the radio stations, eating, and drinking that can lead to car accidents and tragedy.

For adults with ADHD, it is recommended to leave cellphones out of arm's reach to help increase attention and prevent accidents.

Familiarizing self with the route beforehand can also limit impulsivity. 

Cause of ADHD

Specific causes for ADHD has not yet been identified, however, there are factors that may contribute to this condition such as being born prematurely, brain injury, alcohol and cigarette smoking of the mother during pregnancy, or extreme stress that the mother has experienced during pregnancy. 

Safe Driving

Although experienced drivers with ADHD may have a higher advantage among younger drivers diagnosed with the disorder, ADHD symptoms persist throughout their driving career.

Drivers must be aware of their own driving abilities in order to effectively managed this disorder. as part of their behavioral management of the disorder.

Supplemental driver training may be needed in order to focus on specific symptoms of ADHD, such as paying attention and controlling negative emotions.

Repeated research has revealed that stimulant medication significantly reduces motor-vehicle incidents among adults with ADHD.

Work with a health-care provider in order to develop an ADHD treatment plan well-suited for you to improve driving ability.

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