Adolescents with ADHD were significantly more likely to have auto crashes than adolescents without ADHD,...
...especially within the first month after receipt of their license, when the crash risk for young drivers with ADHD was 62% higher.
* Adolescents with ADHD also had higher rates of violations for speeding, electronics use, not wearing a seat belt, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Why this matters
* The increased risk for crashes and driving violations was largely a result of preventable risky driving behaviors, suggesting targeted prevention strategies are needed for adolescents with ADHD.
Study design
* Study of 14,936 adolescents between 2004 and 2014.
* Funding: NIH.
Key results
* 12% of adolescents were diagnosed with ADHD.
* Within the first month after licensure, crash rate was 2.8% in patients with ADHD vs 1.9% in those without (adjusted rate ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.18-2.23).
* Within 48 months of receiving license, adolescents with ADHD vs without had higher violation rates for:
* Speeding: 30.4% vs 21.6% (P<.001).
* Electronics use: 7.7% vs 4.8% (P<.001).
* Alcohol or drug use: 3.6% vs 2.2% (P=.006).
* Seat belt nonuse: 23.2% vs 16.5% (P<.001).
Limitations
* Retrospective design.
