Is Your ADHD Teen Ready to Drive?

Is Your ADHD Teen Ready to Drive? (1:24)

Watching a teen get behind the wheel is scary enough, but it's even more challenging when the driver has ADHD. In this video, pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, M.D. offers advice on how parents can encourage safe driving behaviors to teens with ADHD.

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Hi! I'm Dr. Altman. Like all teens kids with ADHD can't wait to drive, it's a big milestone towards becoming an adult, but teens and driving is a risky combination under the best circumstances. The distractability and impulsivity of ADHD makes the risks even greater. Teen drivers with ADHD are upto four times more likely than their peers to be in an accident but that doesn't mean your teen has to stay in the passenger seat.

Here's some tips to help them to become a safe, smart driver. Start by enrolling him in a driver education program, designed especially for new drivers with ADHD. This might include training with driving simulators before getting behind the wheel of a real car. Also monitor your child's medication.

Some studies suggest that drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD may improve teen's driving performance. And of course minimize all distractions when driving. Turn off the cellphone, turn down the music, and no eating or drinking while driving. In fact, that's a good rule of thumb for all the drivers in the family.

I'm Dr. Altman, for more ways to safeguard your family's safety, watch all our smart tips.