There are many medical conditions which require medical clearance before someone with these conditions is permitted to drive. A new study suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be added to that list if communities want to prevent traffic accidents. The study, completed at the University of Toronto by Dr. Donald Redelmeier and a team of researchers found that a significant number of car accidents involving teen boys may be caused in part by behavior issues and behavior disorders caused by conditions such as ADHD.
According to the study, some accidents might be prevented if teen drivers with ADHD and other behavior disorders were compelled to get doctors’ approval before getting their license. According to Dr. Redelmeier, conditions such as ADHD can be compared to conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, and narcolepsy. According to findings by Dr. Redelmeier and his researchers, drivers should have to show that they are controlling their conditions and are fit to drive.
Dr. Redelmeier and his team found that teens between the ages of 16 and 19 who had behavior disorders may have a higher risk of car crashes. Surprisingly, the study also found that teens with ADHD were more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents involving cars. The study tested 3,421 teens who needed hospital treatment after a car accident. The study followed the teens over a period of seven years and found that 402 of the teens were diagnosed at some point with ADHD while 767 were diagnosed with some behavior disorder.
The study focused on teen boys between the ages of 16 and 19 because this group is the most likely to be involved in vehicle accidents. While this age group accounts for only 3% of drivers, they account for 6% of all traffic accidents. This is despite the fact that teen boys drive less than other age groups and enjoy better health than older age groups.
While the study may suggest a way of preventing Florida car accidents and even Florida pedestrian accidents, there are some limits to the study. Behavior disorders are notably difficult to diagnose, so it was difficult for researchers to ensure that none of the teen boys in the study were in fact not misdiagnosed. As well, the study did not consider whether the boys in the study were the cause of the accident.
If you have been in a Florida car accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group for a free, no-obligation consultation. The Flaxman Law Group has offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood and a track record of thousands of successful cases. Call today to find out how the Flaxman Law Group may help.