Road Safety Tips for ADHD Drivers

With ADHD comes a difficulty with executive function such as difficulty controlling impulses, sustaining concentration, and feeling a need to fidget and possibly take risks. You are legally permitted to drive if you have ADHD and many find that their symptoms don’t interfere with their time on the road, but for some, it can affect their ability to drive safely. 

Why Driving Can Be Difficult for Those with ADHD

There are many reasons why having ADHD and driving a car can become dangerous. Inattention may cause you to become distracted more easily, impulsivity may impair your reactions to other drivers and pedestrians, and hyperactivity may make you feel you are unable to sit still and need to fidget with various things in your car such as the radio.

Not everyone with ADHD will experience issues with driving, just as not everyone who has issues with driving has ADHD, but a substantial percentage of those with ADHD will find it difficult to control their symptoms whilst behind the wheel.

What are the Risks Associated with ADHD and Driving?

Studies have shown that adults with diagnosed ADHD are 50% more likely to get into car accidents, commit speeding offences, be injured from an incident, and have their licence suspended. The main issues are that the skills affected by ADHD are those most needed for safe driving and those with ADHD have difficulty planning ahead, following directions and instructions, and staying on task.

Our Top Road Safety Tips from a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester

This doesn’t mean that if you have recently had an ADHD diagnosis, you need to abstain from driving, it just means that you need to plan a little further ahead and develop tools to help you drive safely.

Plan Your Route.

Before you head out the door, plan your route, making note of road works, road closures, toll roads etc. to make the impact on your journey as minimal as possible. Having the ability to adjust to changes in your journey quickly is what helps those with ADHD so understanding where potential roadblocks may lie is the best way to ensure a smooth trip. Plan in extra time also so you can reduce your need to rush or ignore signs, planning more time will allow you to stop for regular breaks and re-energise for the next leg of your journey.

Minimise Distractions.

One of the biggest hurdles for the ADHD brain is to ignore distractions, therefore if things are easily distractable to you are within sight or reach, chances are you will feel the need to reach for them. This heightens the chance of collisions, so ensure that you put phones and any other distracting items out of sight such as in the glove box.

Eat and Snack Right.

It can be tempting to pack sugary and salty snacks while driving and stop for coffee breaks but once the effects where off you can crash, causing you to feel much more tired than you did before. Maintain steady energy levels with nuts, popcorn, seeds, and bananas, and eat energy-boosting meals before you travel such as kale, hummus, spinach, lean meats, whole grain cereal and dark chocolate. Hydrate with cold water to keep you alert. Chewing gum can also help, as the minty taste and smell give your brain sensory stimulation.

Continuous Eye Movements.

Sounds like a strange one but most people start to feel drowsy when driving on straight, fast roads like the motorway and for those with ADHD, it’s easier to zone out than most. Shifting your eye focus every few seconds by checking your mirrors and scanning the road can increase alertness and awareness of your surroundings, keeping you awake and alert for longer.

Think About Your Environment.

Smelling essential oils such as peppermint can trigger the brain into alertness and focus as well as turning on the air conditioning or rolling down the windows to feel the cold air flow through. It’s also important to prep your car before your journey, so check your mirrors, seat, and car tyres before you go as well as ensure you have enough petrol. Creating an upbeat playlist before you travel can help too.

Set Reminders.

Setting reminders on your phone to get more petrol, take toilet breaks, movement breaks, and for hydration can give your brain the breaks it needs to be able to continue the journey. 

How an ADHD Assessment for Adults can Help

It can be incredibly tough dealing with various ADHD symptoms, especially when it feels like it’s something that everybody else can seemingly do with ease. However, there is valuable help and advice out there if you know where to look. Whether you’re seeking an ADHD assessment for adults, you have a teenage child with ADHD looking to start learning to drive or you are a teenager yourself, understanding your ADHD is the first step to helping you understand and live better with your condition. 

Beyond Clinic: Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester

Beyond, a private ADHD clinic in Manchester can provide you with the advice and support you need as well as a certified ADHD assessment and diagnosis. 

At Beyond, our clinical team has extensive experience and expertise in ADHD assessment for adults and children and our comprehensive pathway can be achieved in just 4 weeks, or at a pace that suits you. Contact us today.