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ADHD increased distracted driving risk
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All adolescents are at increased risk of distracted driving, but those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders are an even greater risk, according to recent study findings published in JAMA Pediatrics.
“Driving deficits related to ADHD appear to impact specific driving behaviors, namely, variability in speed and lane position,” Megan Narad, MA, of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and colleagues wrote. “Because both maintaining a consistent speed and central, consistent lane position require constant attention to the road and one’s surroundings, the pattern of our findings are not surprising.”
The study included adolescents aged 16 to 17 years with (n=28) or without (n=33) ADHD, participating in simulated driving under three different conditions: no distraction, cell phone conversation, and texting.
Researchers found that participants with ADHD reported fewer months of driving experience (mean standard, 6.45) compared with controls (10.45). Participants with ADHD were also more likely to report receiving at least one traffic condition (17%) compared with controls (6%). However, no difference was reported between groups with reports of being involved in a crash or history of cell phone use while driving. The ADHD group also demonstrated more variability in speed and lane position compared with control participants during the driving simulations.
Texting while driving caused adolescents to drive slower, have larger variability in speed, and more variable in their lateral position when compared with the no distraction condition (all P<.001).
“In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrates that both an ADHD diagnosis and texting while driving present serious risks to the driving performance of adolescents,” researchers wrote. “There is a clear need for policy and/or intervention efforts to address these risks.”
Disclosure: The study was funded in part by the American Psychological Association. One researcher reports financial relationships with the Bureau of Health Professions, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Health Resources Services Administration.
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