12 September 2002: Young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than others in the same age group to be involved in traffic violations and crashes, according to research at the University of Massachussetts, led by Russell Berkley at the university's medical school.

The researchers compared 105 young adults aged 17-28 who have the disorder with a control group of 64 people, using five areas of driving ability as well as a number of decision-making tasks. The ADHD group were less attentive and made more errors in in a visual reaction test.

They also achieved lower scores than the control group on a test of driving rules and decision-making. Paradoxically, they didn't score lower on a simple driving simulator.

Their driving records were also compared with the aid of the Massachussetts Department of Motor Vehicles, with permission of the participants. In particular, the ADHD group recorded more speeding violations, vehicular crashes, and licence suspensions.

The researchers say that intervention systems need to be introduced to reduce driving risks amongst adults with ADHD.