Better support needed as nearly one in four drivers with ADHD reported car accidents in past year, according to new study

Drivers with ADHD are 60% more likely to have a collision or a near miss than non-ADHD peers, a new Cazoo study reveals.

New research from Cazoo, the leading online car retailer, found that in the past 12 months, 44% of those with diagnosed or suspected ADHD have experienced an incident, compared to 28% of those without – showing a clear need to rethink how we approach driving for the 1.8 million adults who live with ADHD in the UK*.

Furthermore, 23% of those with diagnosed or suspected ADHD report having had a collision (whether that be with another car or just a minor scrape with a kerb) in the past 12 months, compared to 14% of those without.

The research found a perceived link between ADHD and heightened driving challenges, as indicated by higher insurance costs paid by those with this neurodiversity and the threat of a £1,000 fine for those who don’t disclose it to the DVLA.

Despite this, it doesn’t automatically mean that those with ADHD are worse drivers. The data showed that learners without ADHD required an average of 1.8 tests to pass, while those with ADHD required 1.9 – an almost negligible difference, showing a more nuanced reason for these distinct findings.

Speaking on his experience with learner drivers, Paul Middleton, Director at the PSM Driving School, said: “While drivers with ADHD may experience additional challenges such as managing focus or processing distractions, it’s vital to recognise that this doesn’t make them worse drivers. In fact, many of the learners we’ve worked with display outstanding reaction times, strong problem-solving skills, and a unique ability to adapt under pressure. With the right awareness and support, these strengths can make them some of the most capable and responsive drivers on the road.”

Emotional regulation and controlling anger can be a challenge faced by those with ADHD, which may tip the scale, resulting in more prevalent incidents of road rage. Amongst those with ADHD, 48% admit to shouting, swearing, or gesturing at other drivers ‘often or sometimes’ in comparison to 31% of drivers without ADHD.

But the challenges experienced by those with ADHD are not just limited to on-road decorum, as 8% of drivers with ADHD say they have had a crash with another vehicle in the past 12 months, again, above the average of 5% for those without ADHD.

While the findings highlight higher risk, Professor David Daley from Nottingham Trent University explains that while ADHD drivers face a number of additional challenges and risk factors, there are some benefits. For example, ADHD traits such as heightened alertness in stimulating environments and problem-solving under pressure can also make these drivers exceptionally responsive and capable – once equipped with the right tools and support. Depending on the needs of the individual, selecting the right vehicle is also a key element to safety on the roads, necessitating a better understanding of this neurodiversity amongst car dealers to allow them to better cater to these needs.

Beyond collisions, the findings reveal a need to provide better support to avoid instances of impulsive behaviours amongst drivers with ADHD. Nearly half (46%) admit to speeding, at least occasionally. As such, those with ADHD are more than twice as likely to have received points on their license for speeding in the past 12 months, versus those who do not have it (15% vs 7%)

Furthermore, 50% say they accelerate faster than necessary (compared to 32% of those without ADHD) and 26% admit to driving aggressively (in comparison to 11% of people without ADHD).

A loss of focus or ‘mind wandering’ can also lead to practical issues like frustrations with working out how to pay for parking tickets. As such, nearly a third (31%) of those with ADHD have received a parking ticket in the past 12 months, compared to 18% of those without it.

To help tackle these challenges, Cazoo has partnered with PSM Driving School to offer additional support for learners with ADHD or one-hour refresher lessons specifically for adults with a late ADHD diagnosis, helping them develop strategies to improve focus and manage distractions. Using new guidance curated by Professor David Daley, the lessons – available in regions across the country – will give drivers the tools they need to feel safer behind the wheel. Simply sign up on their website: https://www.psmdrivingschool.com/adhd-refresher-lesson.

Cazoo is also launching the UK’s first ADHD-friendly car guide – a curated list of vehicles featuring design and technology elements that make driving easier and safer for ADHD drivers. The guide is informed by research showing that features such as too many controls (43%), loud alerts (44%), and bright displays (30%) can increase distraction.

The guide also addresses broader issues of car ownership, complete with tips for owning and driving your car, noting that 69% of ADHD drivers admit they are more likely to procrastinate on maintenance tasks like tyre checks or booking services. Meanwhile, 37% say they’re less likely to buy an EV due to concerns over unfamiliar technology (51%) and remembering to charge it (41%).

Developed in partnership with neurodiverse influencers and experts, and leveraging the most and least beneficial features or characteristics reported by respondents with ADHD, the guide features suggestions for second-hand car models which could suit a variety of needs identified. Available on the Cazoo website, it includes vehicles with simple, non-distracting dashboards, intuitive media systems, and safety features that reduce cognitive load. Vehicles meeting the ADHD-friendly criteria will be identified on the Cazoo app using an easy-to-use, dedicated lifestyle filter.