Does ADHD Increase My Chances of Having a Car Accident?
A recently published study supports earlier findings that adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more often involved in car wrecks compared to peers who do not have the condition. The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry printed the findings in the August 2020 issue, which stated that adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children were 1.81 times more likely to be in car crashes than others without the disorder.
What Were the Conditions of the Study?
The results came from the Multimodal Treatment of ADHD study which followed 672 people from ages 7 years old to 25 years old, and 441 of these participants were diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were matched and compared with counterparts of the same age and sex throughout the study.
The study suggests that participants with ADHD whose symptoms persisted into adulthood were involved in more accidents throughout their driving history than their counterparts. The rate of car accidents by adulthood was 1.45 times higher in those with a childhood history of ADHD than drivers without ADHD.
Motorists with medications that controlled ADHD symptoms experienced accident rates similar to participants without ADHD.
What About When ADHD Symptoms are Under Control?
A separate study that was published by the American Medical Association claimed that when ADHD symptoms are controlled by medications, motorists are less likely to be in car accidents. The study of 2.3 million adults with ADHD concluded that controlling ADHD with medication reduced their risk of being in collisions by 38 percent for men and 42 percent for women.
Does ADHD Affect Other Driving Statistics?
Besides the risk of car accidents, researchers indicate that those with ADHD are more apt to participate in risky driving behaviors. Traffic violations are more common for drivers with ADHD, including speeding tickets and license suspensions. ADHD is also associated with distracted driving, impulsivity, and poor judgement. All of these dangerous behaviors can lead to serious car wrecks. Motorists with ADHD are most prone to distracted driving when driving in monotonous conditions, which are usually associated with long drives on highways.
If a driver is involved in an accident, they should consult with an attorney. A lawyer will determine the cause, help with a personal injury claim, and ensure that the client receives compensation.
Washington, D.C. Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Represent Injured Car Crash Victims
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages. Our Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help you collect compensation for your injuries and vehicular damage. Contact us online or call us at 202-331-1963 for a free consultation. consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.