Driving with ADHD: Are your skills focused, fair and fun? It really helps!
For many of us with ADHD, driving is a mixed bag. When we’re behind the wheel our emotions might be anywhere between having the time of our lives, and frustratedly thinking WHAT’S WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE?
The Stats
Several studies make very sobering reading indeed. They show that unmedicated adults with ADHD are more likely to:
• Have car accidents
• Commit speeding offences
• Be injured in an incident
• Gain points on their license
As a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, I take driving very seriously—and as someone with ADHD I recognise that the practical driving skills, those points we were tested on to gain our licence, make up only a miniscule part of our success as fully engaged, reliable drivers.
To fully engage and enjoy your driving, think about maintaining focus, playing fair and having safe fun.
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN MY FOCUS?
To be kind to our ADHD brain when we’re driving, we can set ourselves up to succeed beforehand:
By being as stress-free as possible: Think well ahead and create a properly planned pre-driving checklist you can use repeatedly. Think about adding keys, wallet, phone, glasses, water, snacks etc. Keep your checklist on your phone so you can add to it whenever you have a brainwave. If it’s a long drive, schedule in a rest stop. Prepare your playlist, audiobook, or other listening ready before you set off.
By having clarity of timings and route: Use satnav, even on familiar routes. On less familiar routes, have a check of the map so you are familiar with names and rough directions. Estimate how long your journey will take, and then add at least 50%. You’ll be very glad you did!
By not having anything to distract you in your field of view: Have a clutter-free space in the front. Phones are strictly off-limit. It’s illegal in the UK even to pick one up when you are driving. If you use it for your satnav, set it up properly beforehand and leave it alone. If you know you’ll need a snack, have it ready, unwrapped, next to you. Make sure your drink is ready too, without needing to reach for it.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY DRIVING FAIR?
Don’t rise to the occasion: Something strange often happens when people get in their cars. Normal rules of courtesy seem to evaporate and we witness a lot of pride, arrogance and competitiveness. Don’t bother joining in. Be above all that and demonstrate the politeness you’d like to be shown.
Increase your following distance: You’ll get there just as quickly as the person in front, honestly! And have you noticed how much more you can see if you pull back while following a large vehicle? Yes, we might have speedy brains but more space means more reaction time.
Give cyclists as much room as you can when you overtake them: Go on, start a trend! See if the person behind you follows your example!
HOW CAN MY DRIVING BE FUN?
Whenever you can, turn it into a game.
Be the star in the car!
One skill they teach at the IAM is commentary driving which really does focus the mind, especially if you are on your own.
It is all about thinking out loud and giving a running commentary. Show off how much youre noticing. What could be round that bend ahead? What was the last sign you saw? What’s the speed limit here? Why would there be those skid marks on the road? Is it safe for me to put my foot down a bit here?
Act out a different role: Be an accident investigator, an interviewer and interviewee on a podcast, or maybe an instructor airline pilot! Get creative!
Challenge yourself to make up safe, sensible driving games. Here are another couple of favourites of mine:
Not using my brakes:
This one helps me keep focussed and is very good for fuel consumption. I slow down very gradually as I approach a late red light, and time it to see if I’m still rolling by the time the lights change to green. Yesss!
Pretending I have a bowl of water on the bonnet: and trying not to spill any! I find this is super-comfortable for my passengers. I actually remember somebody once crediting the make of my car for the smoothness! It’s also great for fuel consumption, car longevity, and control.
Happy motoring!
