Of all the potential risks to the health and safety of young people -- disease, drug abuse, violence -- none is as likely to cause serious injury or even death as is a motor vehicle accident. Highway crashes are the biggest killer of young people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S., accounting for over 10,700 deaths in 2006 -- almost twice the number of all other causes of death by "unintentional injury" combined (cf. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC). For all teens, especially those with ADHD, the development of persistently safe driving habits is essential for their safety, the safety of their passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
Greater Risks
Both parents and teens must know that learning to drive is a privilege that must be earned.
Greater driving risks are associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. These include deficiencies in attention, impulsivity, risk-taking tendencies, immature judgment, and thrill-seeking tendencies. The presence of co-existing disorders (60 - 70 % of youths with ADHD have some other diagnosable condition), variations in medication effectiveness throughout the day, issues with alcohol and substance use/abuse -- these should all be considered when granting driving privileges. Risks increase when a teen driver and her peers drive together without adults present. Teen driving privileges should be discussed within the context of the overall ADHD treatment plan. It is parents' responsibility to establish rules and expectations for safe driving behaviors.
Theory and Practice
Teens with ADHD may demonstrate good knowledge of driving rules, but applying these rules is a different matter. Rather than rule-of-the-road knowledge, it is poor driving performance that distinguishes individuals with ADHD from their peers. Learning new skills may be difficult. Patience, supervision, and time are necessary to develop perception, good judgment, and reaction skills through practice behind the wheel. Talk with your teen to see how he feels about driving. Increased responsibility and attention to new stimuli may be overwhelming. Your teen may have other concerns.
Distracted Driving
Many states and jurisdictions are passing and implementing Distracted Driver Laws that can cary significant penalties for drivers who are distracted while driving. Much attention and media coverage has been given to drivers who drive while using some sort of mobile device to check email, make a phone call, or send a text message. But many things in addition to mobile devices can be distracting: adjusting the radio, using a GPS device, checking makeup, eating and drinking -- these can all contribute to unsafe driving practices. Parents should work with their teens to establish and enforce clear guidelines on what is and is not acceptable behavior when behind the wheel. See the US Department of Transportion's site, www.distraction.gov, for more information.
Insurance
Whenever your teen is ready to drive, you must obtain adequate insurance coverage. Obtaining ample coverage is of utmost importance in protecting everyone from financial liability for property damaged or persons injured by your vehicle. Select a reputable company and discuss all aspects of liability and collision insurance, considering the family's total needs. Additional umbrella liability policies can protect from personal injury lawsuits. Insurance issues and costs should be discussed at length with the teen. Schedule a separate meeting between your teen and the insurance agent.
References
Barkley, R., Murphy, K., & Kwasnick, D. (1996). Vehicle Driving Competencies and Risk in Teens and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics, Vol. 98, No. 6, pages 1089-1095.
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