ADHD Symptoms May Affect Driving Performance: Study

Researchers warn that use of technology while driving can exacerbate distracted driving behaviors among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who may already have delayed reaction times.

Distracted driving is known to be a leading cause of auto accidents, with prior studies showing that technology could contribute to up to 90% of all distracted driving-related accidents.

In a new study published in the November 2024 issue of Science Direct, researchers indicate that the dangers of using technology while driving are amplified for those suffering from symptoms of ADHD.

Individuals diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with concentration, attention, motor control and emotional regulation, leading to less situational awareness and more cognitive disruptions. When driving, this condition can also lead to greater distraction from technological devices, such as phones, radios, GPS systems and in-car internet access.

In this new report, a team of researchers led by Hassan Mandali, from the Iran University of Medical Sciences, found that individuals diagnosed with ADHD exhibit slower reaction times when using technology in vehicles, leading to a higher incidence of collisions with obstacles, when compared to a control group without ADHD.

For the study, Mandali and his team conducted experiments using a driving simulator. They recruited drivers aged 20 to 40, and evaluated their performance under normal conditions and with distractions, such as changing radio stations while driving.

Participants also completed an ADHD diagnostic test, analyzed with a contemporary rating scale to identify those with ADHD symptoms. Drivers were then divided into two groups, including one for those diagnosed with ADHD and a control group without the condition. Each group’s driving was assessed both with and without distractions.

The findings revealed that distractions significantly worsened the driving performance of those with ADHD, particularly in reaction times and the number of collisions. The study noted that individuals with ADHD faced challenges in planning and decision-making, which could delay their responses to road obstacles, increasing accident risks.

“(D)istractions further diminish the already limited focus and attention of individuals with ADHD, reducing their ability to make decisions and respond effectively while driving,” Mandali said. “As a result, the combined effects of ADHD and the distraction factor can significantly impair driving performance.”

Combating Distracted Driving

Despite numerous safety initiatives being implemented by federal highway safety officials to combat the risks associated with distracted driving in recent years, auto accident rates have remained high over the last decade, with roughly 38,000 fatalities occurring annually in the U.S. alone. Officials have voiced that many of these auto fatalities are attributed to distracted driving, especially from cell phone use while driving.

In April 2024, the U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, which was specifically targeted at helping teen drivers better understand the dangers of distracted driving.

The campaign was announced with a $5 million national media buy on television, radio and digital platforms in English and Spanish, and targeted drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 years old. Research has shown that this age group is more likely to die in distracted driving related crashes, than other age groups.

The campaign’s slogan was designed specifically to tell these younger drivers that distracted driving will not only result in heavy fines, but could also cost them their lives.