Adverse Childhood Experiences as a Moderator of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Risky and Distracted Driving

Abstract

Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of death of young drivers. Vulnerable drivers, such as young drivers with ADHD, are at high risk of crashes. However, not all young drivers with ADHD are at equal risk for experiencing these negative outcomes, indicating a need to identify factors that increase risk within this population. Compared with individuals without ADHD, individuals with ADHD also experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which have been independently identified as predictors of unsafe driving. The unique impact of ADHD, ACEs, and their interaction has not been evaluated within a single, demographically at-risk sample. A total of 263 licensed young drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 years old completed a survey measuring self-reported symptoms of ADHD, a subset of adverse childhood experiences, as well as risky and distracted driving behaviors. Total symptoms of ADHD and its dimensions and number of ACEs significantly predicted greater engagement in risky driving. Only total symptoms of ADHD and hyperactivity/impulsivity uniquely predicted engagement in distracted driving. The interaction between ADHD symptoms and ACEs was not significant for any analysis. Findings indicated that ADHD symptoms and ACEs each contribute to risk for unsafe driving behaviors, but that ACEs do not exacerbate the risk of ADHD on driving outcomes. This study highlights the need for interventions aimed at helping individuals who present with symptoms of ADHD or who have experienced childhood adversity prevent negative driving behaviors.

Keywords

ACEs childhood trauma ADHD mental health mental & physical health inattention hyperactivity young adult drivers risky driving distracted driving

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