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Pennsylvania residents who have been diagnosed with ADHD may be interested to learn that those who are medicated are less likely to be involved in car accidents than those who are not. The results of a study determined this by analyzing health insurance claims from between 2005 and 2014.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that prevents an individual from being able to pay full attention. It also includes impaired impulse control and hyperactivity, which is often expressed through fidgeting, tapping and talking. Essentially, the core symptoms of the disorder can interfere with the concentration needed for driving, potentially making them more prone to becoming involved in distracted driving accidents.

The study did find that those who were diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to crash than the control group. However, the results showed that male ADHD patients who were receiving ADHD medication had crash risks that were 38 percent lower than male drivers with ADHD who were not receiving medication. It was noted by researchers that medication does not provide a complete “cure” for drivers, meaning those who had been diagnosed with ADHD likely need medication combined with psychosocial treatments, such as behavioral therapy, in order to gain competence.

For many, driving is seen as something that is required for independence and self-reliance. However, there are many who do not take the fact that driving can be extremely dangerous seriously, meaning they operate their vehicle by traveling in an unsafe manner or by being distracted. When car accidents do occur, injuries and even fatalities are likely, even if a particular collision appears to be minor. If a person suffers serious injuries in a crash caused by a distracted or dangerous driver, a personal injury attorney may seek compensation for damages by working with the insurance company. The injured person may seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.