Teen Drivers with ADHD Have More Crashes, Especially Early After Licensure

Impulsive driving behaviors, such as intoxication and use of electronics, might contribute.

Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have higher rates of motor vehicle accidents than their peers. To explore possible reasons, researchers reviewed statewide traffic data and medical records for nearly 15,000 adolescents receiving primary care in a system of New Jersey practices.

There were 1769 (12%) teens with ADHD. In adjusted analyses, these teens were 62% more likely to have a crash within the first month of licensure compared to teens without ADHD; over the 4 years after licensure, the crash rate was 37% higher. Although rare, crashes with injuries and those related to alcohol were more common in drivers with ADHD. At 4-year follow up, teens with ADHD were 47% more likely to have been issued moving violati…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Teen Drivers with ADHD Have More Crashes, Especially Early After Licensure

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Reviewing Author