The Increased Risk of Collisions Involving Drivers With ADHD
Gwinnett County Car Accident Lawyers Discuss the Increased Risk of Collisions Involving Drivers with ADHD
Many adults and children in Georgia suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD,) which impairs their ability to focus their attention. The National Resource Center on ADHD (CHADD) indicates that individuals who suffer from this condition tend to receive more traffic citations and car accidents. While there are strategies that the afflicted can use to mitigate this risk, motorists with ADHD should be aware of their condition and the impact on driving ability and concentration. In this blog, our experienced Gwinnett County Accident Lawyers consider the way ADHD impacts traffic safety and liability stemming from collisions caused by the condition.
How Does ADHD Impact Drivers?
The CHADD website indicates that motorists with ADHD have difficulty with "executive function" and other ADHD symptoms that include thrill-seeking tendencies, risk-taking, and poor judgment. The website also reports that the inattention experienced by adults with ADHD lead to impulsivity and distraction that can interfere with reactions to traffic conditions and other drivers. Younger drivers with ADHD are particularly likely to be involved in a traffic collision when compared to a younger less experienced driver with ADHD.
Ways to Mitigate the Risk
The organization also suggests several ways motorists with ADHD can reduce the risk of distracted driving and other compromised driving skills associated with the condition, including the following:
• Supplemental driver training that focuses on improving skills to pay attention
• Participating in a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication
• Turning off cell phones and avoiding any electronic distractions inside the vehicle
• Participation in a driver education program that addresses ADHD
How Does ADHD Affect Liability in a Car Accident?
Although ADHD is a legitimate medical condition that constitutes a factor in some collisions, an inattentive driver cannot claim the medical condition as an excuse to avoid liability. Most adults with ADHD are diagnosed in elementary school. Drivers can be liable when the effects of a medical condition like ADHD, epilepsy, narcolepsy, and other medical disorders that interfere with driving ability contribute to an auto accident.
Out Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Experience to Work For Your Case!
If you have been injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver, our experienced Atlanta distracted driving lawyers diligently pursue the fullest recovery for our clients. Montlick and Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources:
http://www.chadd.org/Understanding-ADHD/For-Adults/Living-with-ADHD-A-Lifespan-Disorder/ADHD-and-Driving.aspx
http://www.chadd.org/Understanding-ADHD/For-Parents-Caregivers/Teens/Teens-with-ADHD-and-Driving.aspx