Teen Drivers with ADHD more at Risk

Member Joined: May 03, 2011 Posts: 24 Location: USA

Teenagers suffering from ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are found to have more difficulty when it comes to concentrating behind the wheel. Studies have shown that drivers with ADHD who drove when sober perform as poorly as those motorists that drive while under the influence. Most of these studies focus on teen drivers and there are many courses that inform students about the dangers of driving with ADHD and what parents can do to help their kid’s driver better.

Recent studies focus primarily on two teenage groups that have learners’ permits. The first group received extra driving courses, including a 3.5 hours in an advanced driving stimulator and an in-car device that monitors the driving behavior. The second group receives the monitoring device and training, along with a contract for their parents that reward responsible driving behavior.

The studies have come up with some very interesting findings:

* Teens are found to actually like the driving monitors, since they can show their parents that they drive responsibly.
* Most teens indulge in texting on their phones while driving. This can impair the driving concentration and can result in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

Member Joined: May 04, 2011 Posts: 20 Location: USA

At least 2 out of every 5 drivers say that it is ok to break the speed limit of 30mph by about 10 mph more. Nearly 25% of these drivers are between the ages of 16 and 21. These same drivers also feel that there is nothing wrong with drinking about one and a half pints of beer or alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Site Admin Joined: Jan 06, 2010 Posts: 485

Those are worrying facts I agree. Unfortunately, they can often lead to fatal accidents and tragedies.

Member Joined: May 03, 2011 Posts: 24 Location: USA

Teen drivers will now be able to learn safe driving habits with the Tracy Chapter’s, of the Get Real behind the Wheel, has its first on-track training program on Sunday at the Altamont Motorsports Park.

Member Joined: May 02, 2011 Posts: 24 Location: USA

The Mid Ohio School and keybank in support with Kumho Tires has been innovated the idea to offer a “key to safe driving” a free program for teens which gives temporary learner’s permit or driver’s license.

Member Joined: Apr 24, 2012 Posts: 20

My son has ADHD and is autistic though high functioning and knows what is expected of him. I can easily see him really wanting to learn to drive but I think it would be a terrible idea. Kids with ADHD who want to drive have to work extra hard at focusing and the radio must be off and iPhone needs to be out of reach.

Member Joined: Apr 25, 2012 Posts: 10

I have ADHD and it was very hard for me to focus as having no radio on was the only way I could concentrate but once driving becomes second nature, you are less distractable but I am on meds for it too.

Active member Joined: Mar 27, 2012 Posts: 65

@ mgrant: god, driving must be stressful for you. Glad you're coping well though Smile

I don't suffer from ADHD but I definitely have panic attacks when driving!

Member Joined: Apr 26, 2012 Posts: 20

I also have panic attacks while driving, and I can only imagine how difficult it is for someone with ADHD to remained focused- which is a must while driving.

Master Driver Joined: Mar 27, 2010 Posts: 209

There are a few solutions for drivers with ADHD and ADD problems:

1. Maintain a larger margin from other cars (three seconds as default).

2. Drive at slower speeds, but not too slow.

3. Avoid any distractions. Even avoid the radio unless perfectly safe to use it (like on an open, straight, clear highway with good visibility). DO NOT use the phone, even when hands-free.

4. Remind yourself to check your margin from the car ahead and to check your mirrors frequently, but not too frequently. Eight mirror checks per minute is a good rule of thumb. Also check the gap from the car ahead at least four-five times during each little trip and check the speedometer each couple of minutes, too.

5. Look far ahead, plan in advance and train on quickly shifting your focus to the next hazard up ahead.

6. Take frequent breaks: Between 45 to 70 minutes of driving, and for ten to fiteen minutes!

7. Only drive when perfectly in control and in full alertness.

Active member Joined: Mar 27, 2012 Posts: 65

Astraist wrote:

There are a few solutions for drivers with ADHD and ADD problems:

1. Maintain a larger margin from other cars (three seconds as default).

2. Drive at slower speeds, but not too slow.

3. Avoid any distractions. Even avoid the radio unless perfectly safe to use it (like on an open, straight, clear highway with good visibility). DO NOT use the phone, even when hands-free.

4. Remind yourself to check your margin from the car ahead and to check your mirrors frequently, but not too frequently. Eight mirror checks per minute is a good rule of thumb. Also check the gap from the car ahead at least four-five times during each little trip and check the speedometer each couple of minutes, too.

5. Look far ahead, plan in advance and train on quickly shifting your focus to the next hazard up ahead.

6. Take frequent breaks: Between 45 to 70 minutes of driving, and for ten to fiteen minutes!

7. Only drive when perfectly in control and in full alertness.

Yep, you're spot on. I find planning my journey ahead really helps, plus avoiding all kinds of distractions. I swear nothing distracts me more than my mobile phone!!