Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Other Neurocognitive Factors Contributing to Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. RTAs are multi-factorial in origin but neuro-cognitive function of drivers contribute about 25% of the variance of most accidents.This presentation reviews the commonest disorders that contribute to RTAs. They are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g.Dyslexia), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adolescents and young adult drivers and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia in older drivers. The features of these disorders and how they impair driving along with evidence-based treatments and interventions are discussed. Increasing awareness of these disorders, screening for them and offering treatment when appropriate, can contribute to reducing the disease burden related to RTAs, which currently rank as the 8th leading cause death across all ages globally. More attention to this dimension of road safety and the identified disorders will contribute to preventing the rising toll of road accidents globally. \xa0Failure to do so systematically in all jurisdictions, constitutes a significant public health problem which requires much needed attention.