Negative Consequences of Poor Driving Outcomes Reported by Adolescents With and Without ADHD

• Main Authors: Antonini, T.N (Author), Calhoun, H.R (Author), Epstein, J.N (Author), Garner, A.A (Author), Kingery, K.M (Author), Narad, M.E (Author), Tamm, L. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications Inc. 2018
• Subjects: Accidents, Traffic; ADD/ADHD; adolescent; Adolescent; adolescents; attention deficit disorder; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Automobile Driving; car driving; case control study; Case-Control Studies; driving safety; female; Female; human; Humans; male; Male; psychology; questionnaire; self report; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires; traffic accident
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher
• ISBN: 10870547 (ISSN)
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054715575063

Objective: Although adolescents with ADHD report less driving experience, a greater proportion of adolescents with ADHD report receiving at least one ticket; however, no study has examined the severity of infractions committed by adolescent drivers with ADHD. Method: A total of 61 adolescents (28 ADHD, 33 controls) aged 16 to 17 with a valid driver’s license completed a self-report Driving History Questionnaire (DHQ), which asked about months of driving experience, negative driving outcomes, and severity of consequences. Results: A greater proportion of adolescents with ADHD reported receiving fines, points on their driver’s license, and remedial driving class. Furthermore, adolescents with ADHD reported attending a greater number of hours in remedial driving class, and a greater expense associated with fines. Conclusion: Importantly, ADHD-related negative driving outcomes manifest early in driving careers. Furthermore, increased negative consequences of poor and/or risky driving among adolescents with ADHD were evident despite having fewer months of independent driving. © The Author(s) 2015.