Are You an ADHD Driving Hazard?
By Dana Rayburn, Adult ADD Coach

ADDed Success is ADD Coach Dana Rayburn's monthly newsletter about living successfully with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Welcome to ADDed Success!
The other day I read an article about a Canadian study of ADHD and driving. Apparently researchers noticed driving with ADHD increases the incidence of traffic collisions, speeding tickets and drunk driving.

The article got me thinking about driving under the influence of ADHD, particularly how typical ADHD behaviors can contribute to driving problems.

So here are my observations about ADHD driving challenges.

As you read, please think about which of these you do and what you plan to do about it.

Impulsivity. Do you pull out into traffic when it isn't safe or turn in front of on-coming cars?

Being late. Do you speed, tailgate, get angry with slow drivers or 'push the yellow' at stoplights in order to get somewhere on time?

Easily distracted. Do you pay attention to the radio, your conversation or the kids chattering in the back seat instead of your driving and the cars around you?

Difficulty paying attention. Do you daydream while being oblivious to the traffic, the road and your driving?

Impatience with details. Do you roll through stop signs and wander out of your lane?

I hope this has got you thinking. Accepting you may not be the safest driver on the road may not be easy, but it could save your life.

Please increase your awareness and commit to decreasing ADHD's influence over your driving.


The Last Word
During the 30 years I've been driving I confess to being at fault in two rather serious accidents and risking more speeding tickets than I care to discuss.

My biggest driving challenges are being inattentive, late and distracted. Let me share with you the tricks I've devised for dealing with each.

I've learned through experience that driving a car with a manual transmission captures my attention. I think it's the constant awareness of shifting gears and staying tuned in to
the sound of the engine. Medication also helps me pay attention to the road.

I've worked very hard to stop being late and over the years being on time has become more natural. The result is much less pressure to speed to my destination to compensate for my tardiness.

To stay on time I set computer reminders or a timer to remind me when I need to leave, plan extra time to get ready and think about when I need to leave to get somewhere - not just when I need to be there.

Some adults with ADHD can easily do two or three things at once. I can't. I've become aware of what distracts me and what doesn't.

For example, telling stories to my daughter while driving requires too much brain power, yet singing is okay. I can't talk on the phone in traffic - only on the country roads near our house. I'm also learning when I need to stop talking to passengers and focus on the road.

Oops – My timer just went off. I gotta get ready to go to a meeting. I better sign-off now.

To Your ADDed Success,
Dana

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