ADHD and Attention
Visual Abstract
Motor Vehicle Crash Risk in Older Adult Drivers With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD and Crash Risk in Older Drivers
Yuxin Liu, Stanford Chihuri, Thelma J Mielenz, Howard F Andrews, Marian E Betz, Carolyn DiGuiseppi, David W Eby, Linda L Hill, Vanya Jones, Lisa J Molnar, David Strogatz, Guohua Li
Summarized by:
Charles Li, MD
December 5, 2023
study source
JAMA Netw Open
2023 Oct 2;6(10):e2336960
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What they studied
This study aimed to examine the association between ADHD and crash risk among older adult drivers.
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What they found
Older drivers with ADHD had a significantly higher risk of hard-braking events, traffic tickets, and crashes.
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Why it matters
These findings suggest that ADHD in older adults might increase their risk of driving-related incidents.
Objectives
The research aimed to delve into two primary areas: firstly, the prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among older adult drivers, and secondly, to explore how ADHD influences the likelihood of these individuals being involved in automobile accidents.
Study Quote
To examine the prevalence of ADHD and the association between ADHD and crash risk among older adult drivers.
Methods
This study adopted a prospective cohort approach, gathering data from primary care clinics and residential communities across five locations in the United States. Participants were active drivers aged between 65 and 79 years at the onset of the study. They were part of the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers project and were monitored for up to 44 months. This monitoring involved the use of in-vehicle data recording devices and annual assessments.
Study Quote
This prospective cohort study collected data from primary care clinics and residential communities in 5 US sites between July 6, 2015, and March 31, 2019. Participants were active drivers aged 65 to 79 years at baseline enrolled in the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers project who w...
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Results
The results indicated a notable difference in driving safety between older adults with and without ADHD. Specifically, those with ADHD exhibited significantly higher incidence rates of hard-braking events, self-reported traffic tickets, and self-reported vehicular crashes. After considering baseline characteristics, ADHD was correlated with a considerable increase in the risk of these driving incidents. This was quantified through adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR), showing increases in hard-braking events (1.07 times), traffic tickets (2.02 times), and vehicular crashes (1.74 times) among those with ADHD.
Study Quote
Of the 2832 drivers studied, 1500 (53.0%) were women and 1332 (47.0%) were men with a mean (SD) age of 71 (4) years. The lifetime prevalence of ADHD in the study sample was 2.6%. Older adult drivers with ADHD had significantly higher incidence rates of hard-braking events per 1000 miles ...
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Conclusions
The conclusions drawn from this study underscore the heightened risk of automobile accidents among older adult drivers with ADHD compared to those without the condition. This finding suggests the necessity for practical interventions aimed at better diagnosis and clinical management of ADHD in older adults. Such measures are crucial for ensuring safe mobility and promoting healthy aging, especially given the growing population of older drivers. This study's insights contribute to the broader understanding of impulsivity and its effects on driving safety, aligning with other research emphasizing the significance of addressing cognitive and behavioral challenges in older adults.
Study Quote
Older adult drivers with ADHD may be at a significantly elevated crash risk compared with their counterparts without ADHD. Effective interventions to improve the diagnosis and clinical management of ADHD among older adults are warranted to promote safe mobility and healthy aging.
What this means
This study confirms that ADHD can impact driving ability throughout one's life, even into old age.
Previous studies have shown that driving can be affected by ADHD in younger adults:
Fortunately, ADHD treatment does appear to help with driving. One study found that methylphenidate, aka Ritalin, helped improve driving ability and consistency: