Effect of ADHD traits in young drivers on self-reported deviant driving behaviours: An exploratory study in the Arab gulf region

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be defined in two key traits (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity), which can effect day-to-day capabilities such as driving performance. Methods: In this exploratory study, a sample of 450 young drivers from the State of Qatar have been administered the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-V1.1) and the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ), in order to examine the impact of self-reported inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity traits on self-reported intentional traffic violations, unintentional driving errors, concentration or memory lapses and deliberate aggressive violations. A path analysis model was developed to test the predictability of these ADHD traits on deviant driving behaviours. Results: The positive relationships among both traits and deviant driving behaviours varies across gender. Young male drivers with hyperactivity-impulsivity traits are significantly more likely to report ordinary violations, errors, lapses and aggressive violations, but these aberrant driving behaviours are most likely to be reported by young female drivers who report the inattention trait. Nevertheless, the inattention trait has a minor predictive role for young male drivers and is not significantly related to aggressive violations. For young female drivers aggressive violations are not predicted by the hyperactivity-impulsivity trait, but the inattention traits among young female drivers is the strongest predictor of aggressive violations. Conclusion: This exploratory study is important to create a better understanding of the increased risks among female drivers who predominantly exhibit the inattention trait and male drivers who predominantly exhibit the hyperactivity-impulsivity trait and could suggest gender-sensitive driving education about ADHD traits and driving risks.