If you have ADHD, read this CNN article about the increased risks of driving with ADHD:
Teen Drivers with ADD a Problem on the Road .
Take these three steps to make you a safer driver:
- Turn OFF your cell phone. If it’s off you won’t be tempted to answer it or text while at a light.
- Drive alone. Your friends are fun, but they are distracting.
- Don’t play with the music. Turn on your station before you turn on the car. Fidling with radio and climate controls takes your focus away from the road.
What do you do to keep your focus while on the road? Leave a comment and enter to win our September ADHD Awareness Contest.
Brian Totten responded on 24 Sep 2008 at 7:35 am #
I listen to book on tape or Gospel Music. I load the CD Player before pulling off. It gets me where I need to be, while concentrating on the traffic around me. Keeping the big picture.(rearview mirror, side mirrors, and following distance.
Phudson responded on 25 Sep 2008 at 8:40 am #
I agree with the above concerns regarding distractions that you need to avoid while driving if you have ADHD. On a positive note, because a person with ADHD is receiving multiple sensory inputs simultaneously without a filter, they might be the driver who is quicker to react to someone running a red light or the animal or small child crossing the road because they notice it milliseconds before the more focused driver.
caitlyn responded on 16 Oct 2008 at 11:01 am #
i read a book or just think of getting to my destination safely.
Peggy Dolane responded on 12 Dec 2008 at 10:08 am #
Here’s a link to an interesting study of Teen Drivers and ADHD that the University of Buffalo is conducting right now: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/9819
ADHD and Teen Driving Book Review | Edge Foundation responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 1:08 pm #
[...] have you done to keep your ADHD teen driver safe? Here are a few ideas for your teen driver to consider. Please leave us a comment and share what’s worked for you. var addthis_pub = ”; var [...]
Devin responded on 10 Mar 2010 at 10:23 am #
hi i have Adhd.. can i please drivee now!!!?!?!?!?!
hahahaha me crazyy!
Peggy -- Edge Foundation blogger responded on 10 Mar 2010 at 1:32 pm #
Thanks for stopping by and reading the Edge blog. Lots of young people with ADHD are worried about driving, but that doesn’t mean you are crazy. We recommend that you use extra precautions like turning off your phone before turning on the car, driving alone and taking a driver’s education course before you get your learner’s permit. Best of luck to you!