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Are those with ADHD more aggressive drivers?
Charles Li, MD
September 12, 2023
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ADHD linked to dangerous driving
Study shows adults with ADHD are more likely to get into car accidents and lose control while driving.
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Road rage a critical factor
Those with ADHD more likely to display verbally aggressive behavior and harbor angry thoughts while driving.
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ADHD associated with unsafe driving
Multiple studies suggest individuals with ADHD are more prone to car accidents and unsafe driving situations.
ADHD has been linked to symptoms beyond attention and hyperactivity. It can also lead to difficulties with impulsivity and emotions:
ADHD and Dangerous Driving
The study below finds these challenges can lead to more aggressive and dangerous driving.
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ADHD participants reported more anger and aggressive expression through the use of their vehicle and less adaptive and constructive anger expression than their non-ADHD peers. Adult ADHD drivers rated themselves as more angry, risky, and unsafe drivers and reported experiencing more losses of concentration and vehicular control than college students.
Researchers compared 56 adults with ADHD to 106 adults without ADHD, and found that those with ADHD were more likely to have gotten into car accidents and more likely to have lost control while driving:
A critical factor in dangerous driving for those with ADHD was road rage. Those with ADHD were more likely to be verbally aggressive and drive aggressively.
Those with ADHD were also more likely to harbor angry thoughts while driving, including aggressive and judgemental thoughts. They were also more likely to want revenge on other drivers.
The consequences of driving with ADHD
Other studies have similarly found a link between ADHD and unsafe driving.
While the study below did not specifically examine aggressive driving, it did find that those with ADHD were generally more likely to get into car accidents and unsafe driving situations.
These include rear-ending other cars, sudden braking, and backing into objects while reversing:
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The nature of g-force events are quite different for ADHD drivers than non-ADHD drivers, with non-ADHD drivers being more likely to have g-force events in either the situation of lapsed attention to the road or as part of defensive driving, whereas ADHD drivers have more events triggered by adverse driving conditions, increased risky driving behavior, increased impulsive and hyperactive behavior, and distraction by factors inside the car.
Key Takeaways
ADHD can cause intense emotions
Researchers found that individuals with ADHD experience higher levels of anger and aggression while driving, leading to more car accidents and dangerous behavior.
Breathe, relax, and let go
Drivers with ADHD are more likely to engage in aggressive and impulsive behaviors on the road. It is important for them to learn techniques to manage their emotions and prevent dangerous driving.
Talk to your doctor if you think you might have ADHD
If you suspect you or someone you know may have ADHD, it is crucial to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can reduce the risk of aggressive driving and improve road safety.