(PS1-60) A Preliminary Exploration of Adverse Childhood Experiences as a Moderator of Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder and Risky and Distracted Driving

In 2020, on average, more than 110 people died in motor vehicle crashes per day. Drivers, ages 15 to 29, are at risk for engaging in behaviors that increase risk for crashes. Those who report symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at even greater risk. Driving citations, license suspensions, and car crashes are more common for drivers with an ADHD diagnosis and/or greater ADHD symptoms. However, not all drivers who report ADHD symptoms are at equal risk for experiencing these negative outcomes indicating a need to identify factors that increase risk within this population. Individuals with ADHD also experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than those without the diagnosis. An independent line of research indicates that childhood adversity is associated with risky driving behavior, especially among younger participants. The impact of ACEs has not been evaluated as a moderating factor for negative driving outcomes in ADHD drivers. This study examines these relations in a sample of 230 emerging adult drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 years old. Participants responded to surveys measuring self-reported symptoms of ADHD, prior experience of ACEs, and engagement in risky and distracted driving behaviors. Preliminary results suggest that the experience of ACEs does not moderate the impact of ADHD and its dimensions (hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention) on risky and distracted driving. Nevertheless, results indicate significant main effects of ADHD and ACEs on risky driving. Furthermore, symptoms of both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention are associated with a significant increase in risky driving behaviors. Moreover, the results also indicate a significant main effect of symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity on distracted driving. Ultimately, although it appears that the interaction between symptoms of ADHD and experience of ACEs does not significantly influence risky and distracted driving, the results support the notion that total ADHD, hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, and ACEs increase risk for unsafe driving behaviors.