The role of ADHD in aggressive driving behavior among young adult drivers: effects of traffic aggressiveness and roadway environments

This study examined the effects of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), traffic aggressiveness, and roadway environment on driving behavior. Fifty-seven participants (26 ADHD, 31 non-ADHD; M age = 20.75, SD = 5.19; 33 males, 24 females) completed questionnaires related to driving behavior. Participants then completed a series of simulated aggressive and non-aggressive drives in both city and freeway environments. Prior to the experimental drives, all participants completed a baseline control drive. Driving performance metrics (i.e., steering angle, acceleration pressure, brake pressure, and speed) and mental workload were recorded across all simulated drives. It was hypothesized that ADHD diagnosis, traffic aggressiveness, and roadway environment would each affect driving performance. Results showed that drivers with ADHD exhibited higher driving speed, while traffic aggressiveness and roadway environment exerted significant effects on steering angle and braking. Notably, ADHD drivers exhibited lower HRV (RMSSD), and NASA-TLX scores tended to be higher under aggressive city driving. The implications of these results for driver assessment, traffic safety, and public health are discussed.