Impact of Distraction on the Driving Performance of Adolescents With and Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Importance This study extends the literature regarding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) related driving impairments to a newly-licensed, adolescent population. Objective To investigate the combined risks of adolescence, ADHD, and distracted driving (cell phone conversation and text messaging) on driving performance. Design Adolescents with and without ADHD engaged in a simulated drive under three conditions (no distraction, cell phone conversation, texting). During each condition, one unexpected event (e.g., car suddenly merging into driver's lane) was introduced. Setting Driving simulator. Participants Adolescents aged 16–17 with ADHD (n=28) and controls (n=33). Interventions/Main Exposures Cell phone conversation, texting, and no distraction while driving. Outcome Measures Self-report of driving history; Average speed, standard deviation of speed, standard deviation of lateral position, braking reaction time during driving simulation. Results Adolescents with ADHD reported fewer months of driving experience and a higher proportion of driving violations than controls. After controlling for months of driving history, adolescents with ADHD demonstrated more variability in speed and lane position than controls. There were no group differences for braking reaction time. Further, texting negatively impacted the driving performance of all participants as evidenced by increased variability in speed and lane position. Conclusions This study, one of the first to investigate distracted driving in adolescents with ADHD, adds to a growing body of literature documenting that individuals with ADHD are at increased risk for negative driving outcomes. Furthermore, texting significantly impairs the driving performance of all adolescents and increases existing driving-related impairment in adolescents with ADHD, highlighting the need for education and enforcement of regulations against texting for this age group.

Social and Non-social Hazard Response in Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…(2) Average driving speed was collected and defined as the driver’s average speed while approaching hazardous events in miles per hour (mph) (Stavrinos et al, 2013). (3) Total number of motor vehicle collisions ( MVCs ) was computed across each driving scenario as anytime the participant ran off the road (past a predetermined distance off of the roadway) or struck another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist or object (Narad et al, 2013; Stavrinos et al, 2015; Stavrinos et al, 2013). (4) Speed exceedances were defined as the number of times the participant exceeded the speed limit greater than or equal to 8 miles per hour while driving through the scenario (Stavrinos et al, 2015).…”

Extended Visual Glances Away from the Roadway are Associated with ADHD- and Texting-Related Driving Performance Deficits in Adolescents

“…A recent study extended this literature by examining simulated driving performance of 61 adolescent, novice drivers with and without ADHD during non-distracted simulated driving and while performing secondary tasks (i.e., texting and hands-free cell phone conversation; Narad et al, 2013). Texting during simulated driving led adolescents with and without ADHD to drive more slowly, have more variability in speed, and exhibit greater variability in lane position in comparison to driving when undistracted.…”

Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Adolescence in the Primary Care Setting: A Concise Review

“…Adolescents with ADHD have difficulties in sustaining attention in routine tasks 1 , academic performance 11 , peer relations (e.g., increased victimization), and family cohesiveness 12–15 . Untreated patients have higher rates of risky sexual behaviors 12 , suicidal thoughts in college 16 , incarcerations 13 , automobile accidents 17,18 , occupational difficulties and medical burden 19 . They have lower self-esteem, social functioning, economic achievement and higher rates of substance use 20,21 .…”