AD/HD and Driving

Of all the potential risks to the health and safety of young people -- disease, drug abuse, violence -- none are as likely to cause serious injury or even death as are motor vehicle accidents. Highway crashes are the biggest killer of adolescents aged 15 to 20 in the U.S., accounting for over 6,000 deaths in 1996 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA).  For all teens, especially those with AD/HD, the development of persistently safe driving habits is essential for their safety, the safety of their passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. 

Greater Risks

Both parents and teens must know that learning to drive is a privilege that must be earned.

Greater driving risks are associated with a diagnosis of AD/HD. These include deficiencies in attention, impulsivity, risk-taking tendencies, immature judgment, and thrill-seeking tendencies. The presence of co-existing disorders (60 - 70 % of youths with AD/HD), variations in medication effectiveness throughout the day, issues with alcohol and substance use/abuse  -- these should all be considered when granting driving privileges. Risks increase when a teen driver and her peers drive together without adults present. Teen driving privileges should be discussed within the context of the overall AD/HD treatment plan. It is the parent's responsibility to establish rules and expectations for safe driving behaviors.

Theory and Practice

Teens with AD/HD may demonstrate good knowledge of driving rules, but applying these rules is a different matter. Rather than rule-of-the-road knowledge, it is poor driving performance that distinguishes individuals with AD/HD from their peers. Learning new skills may be difficult. Patience, supervision and time are necessary to develop perception, good judgment, and reaction skills through practice behind the wheel. Talk with your teen to see how he feels about driving. Increased responsibility and attention to new stimuli may be overwhelming. Your teen may have other concerns.

Insurance

Whenever your teen is ready to drive, you must obtain adequate insurance coverage. Obtaining ample coverage is of utmost importance in protecting everyone from financial liability for property damaged or persons injured by your vehicle. Select a reputable company and discuss all aspects of liability and collision insurance, considering the family's total needs. Additional umbrella liability policies can protect from personal injury lawsuits. Insurance issues and costs should be discussed at length with the teen. Schedule a separate meeting between your teen and the insurance agent.

References

Barkley, R., Murphy, K., & Kwasnick, D. (1996). Vehicle Driving Competencies and Risk in Teens and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics, Vol. 98, No. 6, pages 1089-1095.

Last updated: July 2005