December 1, 2011
Staying Safe on the Roads: Driving with ADHD
One of the biggest rites of passage for young people in the United States is the day they receive their driver’s license and the promise of greater freedom with the car keys. Teenagers affected by ADHD are just as excited about driving as their peers, but their entry onto the road might not go as smoothly due to their symptoms.
Experts agree that parents need to take an active role in preparing their teens affected by ADHD and set ground rules for the privilege of driving. Parents must also take into consideration their teens’ abilities and level of maturity before handing over the keys.
“Driving is a privilege, and with that in mind... they have to earn certain rights to drive,” says former CHADD president Beth Kaplanek, RN. Kaplanek addressed the issue of driving during an Ask the Expert chat in October 2008 (content available to CHADD members). “This is a non‐negotiable issue related to safety. If you as a parent feel the child is not ready for driving, you must step in. It can be a matter of life and death. Driving is serious stuff.”
Most states place certain limitations on young drivers, and it is essential that parents and teens know the law in their state (and surrounding states if relevant). These restrictions typically relate to hours when driving is not permitted, or whether underage passengers may be present without an adult also in the car.
In addition to what the law requires, parents and teens are encouraged by Russell Barkley, PhD, to enter into a written contract outlining the privileges and obligations of driving before teens have full independence. Barkley suggests that new drivers gain further privileges in three stages over the course of about 18 months provided they follow certain rules. One of these rules is that the teen will take medication as prescribed before driving; to date, medication is the only treatment known to improve driving behavior for those affected by ADHD. Other rules include keeping the radio low and absolutely disallowing the use of cell phones (especially texting) while driving. Barkley also suggests teens maintain a driving log, including when medication was taken, where the driver went and how far she drove, contact numbers for where the teen would be and when the car left and returned to the family residence. Parents should check the log regularly; privileges might be awarded or removed based on the log’s information.
“[Teens] must go to driver’s education,” says Kaplanek, “and know that driving is always a privilege. As a parent, model safe driving habits, consider postponing [driving] for a year if needed, and above all make it a rule that cell phones and texting are not allowed in the car. Create a plan, including time of day or high traffic times when kids can’t drive.”
Teens who abide by the contract see their driving privileges increase every six months. Teens who have difficulty following the rules can see those privileges curtailed or suspended until they display more maturity. After all, it’s better to have these privileges suspended by Mom and Dad than by a judge!
“Remember the issue of a maturity lag: a 16-year-old may be acting more like a 13-year-old,” Kaplanek reminds parents.
New drivers have the highest accident rates of all drivers and teens affected by ADHD are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents than their non-affected peers. Careful planning, drivers’ education and a gradual increase in privileges that correspond with improved skills benefits teen drivers and can help make driving a better experience for them and their parents.
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