Question of the Week: Does Your ADHD Impact Your Driving Abilities?

I am one of those parents that because of the things that I have heard about ADHD causing problems with driving that has hesitated letting my 16yo get his license.  As it is teen driving is amoung the highest risk factor for accidents  because their attention and maturity is not as good as those that are older.  But add to that the focus and implusiveness issues of ADHD and also add in the fact that last year 5 of our local teens (15-17yo) were in a bad accident (one fatal, one almost was paralyst) because of inexperience with dirt roads at night.... well it scares the crap out of me.  I watch my teen stuggle with trying to stay focused in school, meds not being able to help him (and he has tried all those avaible on the market...excluding 2) and creating so many problems that he just quit taking them altogether with doctor's knowledge.  So I am real iffy on letting him get his license or even getting truck till he is 18 yo and can get his own insurance.

I know that it can be done because my husband has his CDL and is able to do a great job. But it took him a while to find the trick that works for him....he has to really consentrate on driving...no talking to him if in heavy traffic or bad weather as not to distract him. 

I have not had the ADHD discussion with my doctor yet, but the more i read, the more certain i am that i am ADD.  I often miss turns, as i just "zone out" while driving. Is this yet another symptom?

I was not diagnosed with ADHD until just recently at the age of 28.  During my first few years of driving I was in a few small fender-benders due to inattention and inexperience.  At the time I didn't think much of it.  My parents thought I was just an air-head.  However, after having this diagnosis and reading more information I do think that this affects my driving.  I have to concentrate harder when I am driving and consciously not let myself become distracted.  I have not had any accidents in the last seven years (thank GOD) because I have learned to control my attention for the most part. 

Similar to the post from Mystic; I cannot have conversations while driving in heavy traffic or bad weather because I am concentrating so hard on my driving and watching out for others.  Also similar to Ace; there are some days when I zone out.  I find myself getting from one place to another, but with no recollection of the drive. 

It is possible to have ADHD and be a good driver you just have to learn what works for you and be much more conscious of attention and your surroundings.

An interview lands an internship after a long masters program.  On the drive home, WHAM!  Someone in their jubilant mood didn't watch the speed; speeding ticket.  A speck of white lint on a black sweater takes one's eyes off the road for one split second too long: BAM! Someone has been rear-ended.  A glance at the mapquest directions laying on the passenger seat and BAM! Someone has been rear-ended.  Running late for work, one accelerates too quickly after the stoplight changes and WHAM! Someone has a speeding ticket.  Someone stays into the wee hours of the morning getting a room ready for the first day of school, makes the beeline home to bed and WHAM!  Speeding ticket.  Running late so easily can = a speeding ticket.  Momentary distractions can so easily cause an accident.  Angels on one's shoulder keeps all persons safe.  Reminder notes taped on instrument panel can remind one to watch speed and go slowly.  It can  just be a constant struggle.  ADHD has = driving used cars with mileage up into the 200,000's, ancient cars that are actually embarrassing to be seen driving - if one cared - and unexpected expertise in selling cars for salvage....