If you’re a parent of a teenager who struggles with ADD/ADHD or other executive functioning challenges, you’ve probably wondered what will happen when they need to start learning how to drive. The good news is there are options that can effectively help your teen become a safe driver!
Statistics on Driving with ADHD
Studies indicate that young people diagnosed with ADHD, who often find it difficult to sustain their attention and control their impulses, have abnormally high rates of traffic violations, accidents, and instances of driving without a license.
A 2002 study, funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, reported that about 20% of the 105 people with ADHD who were studied had their license suspended or revoked — the same number had received 12 or more traffic citations or had caused more than $6,000 in damage in their first crash. Those figures are two to four times the norm for young adult drivers.*
Several other research studies have shown that, compared to other teens, teenage drivers with ADHD:
sustain three times as many car crash injuries as teens without ADHD.
are less likely to be practicing sound driving habits in their current driving performance, as reported by their parents.
are nearly four times more likely to have had an accident while they were the driver of a vehicle.
are found to be at fault for car crashes four times more often than peers without ADHD.
are six to eight times more likely to have their license suspended or revoked for poor driving behavior.*
In a recent article, The American Academy of Pediatrics published that the “risk of a crash is 36% higher for teens drivers with ADHD than their peers, no matter their gender, age or driving experience.” They went on to write that “teens with ADHD might need extra behind-the-wheel training, a longer supervised driving period and medication adjustments.” The AAP also encourages parents to talk with their pediatrician about driving before their teen starts driving.**
How Safe Driving Coach Can Help
As a driving instructor who has coached hundreds of teens, including many with ADD/ADHD, I truly believe in the benefit of personalized 1-1 instruction for teens with special needs. That’s why I have been trained and certified, through Behind the Wheel with ADHD, to provide expert instruction to drivers with special needs, including most learning difficulties, executive functioning issues, and attention deficit disorders.
When I work with these students, I provide them with effective strategies and skills to manage the risks associated with all executive functioning challenges and the additional stresses of driving. The programs are designed to fit the needs of your family and specifically address any area of concern. These personalized lesson plans are also provided at no additional cost.
Every teen and every family is different. I never want to seem as if I’m telling you what is the right choice for your family. I just wish to share with you how in my experience, a trained driving instructor can be a huge help and greatly impact a teen’s driving experience.
We take tremendous pride in offering our driving instruction to people of all abilities. If you would like to learn more information about Safe Driving Coach and our specialized lessons, visit our website page about ADHD information and coaching here.
Statistic Resources:
You also might want to check out the Parent's Survival Guide for New Teen Drivers, an online video course made specifically for parents to help their teens become safe drivers.
