ADHD Behind the Wheel
Driving can be a unique challenge for those of us with ADHD. There are many aspects of ADHD that come into play while driving. Among them are distractibility, impulsivity, and emotional regulation.
Distractibility
The ADHD brain is hard-wired for interest. It is going to focus on what is most interesting to it. There are many things to distract you. Personally, I think roadside billboards should be banned. I am too tempted to look at them. With all of the attention we give these days to the dangers of distracted driving, you would think we would be viewing billboards as a nuisance. But, billboards are not the only roadside distraction. Dogs being walked by their humans always seem to draw my eye. I am a huge fan of dogs, so my eyes are naturally drawn to them. Luckily, my care for them makes me want to drive safer to keep them safe. Also by the road, you see runners who generally are not wearing much. This too can be quite distracting. In short, most things can be a distraction to the ADHDer behind the wheel.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another ADHD trait that can get you into trouble behind the wheel. You might find yourself saying something like, “I can make it through that yellow light.” A driver with ADHD might changes lanes before double-checking to make sure it is safe. Caution is called for while driving, but sometimes ADHD can make drivers impulsive and do things that they would not have done had they taken the time to think it through.
Emotional Regulation
ADHDers have trouble regulating their emotions. Getting too emotional while behind the wheel can be dangerous. Emotional dysregulation might cause drivers with ADHD to make rash decisions on the roadway. If another driver does something to annoy you on the road, you might not be able to control your emotional response and do something dangerous.
The Stats
Recent research is beginning to shed light on the struggles ADHDers have behind the wheel. A 2015 study concluded “that difficulty regulating and controlling impulsive behavior, reflected in speeding, frustration with other road users, less safety when changing lanes on the motorway and a greater likelihood of an accident following an unexpected event, underlie impaired driving in ADHD.” In addition, a 2017 study concluded that “[t]here is convincing evidence that adolescents and adults with ADHD have different and adverse driving outcomes than individuals without the condition. An increased number of accidents and speeding violations appear to be the most robust driving difficulties in ADHD.” Another study from 2017 found that “[a]dolescents and young adults with ADHD experience an estimated 36% higher motor vehicle crash risk than their counterparts without ADHD regardless of licensure age or sex; risk persists over the first few years of licensure.” These statistics related to driving should be concerning and a cause for securing a more robust ADHD management plan. FYI, a coach can be a powerful part of an ADHD treatment plan.