McMillan pointed out that statistics from previous studies show that teens with ADHD are four times more likely to have an auto accident and five times more likely to be at fault than those without the disorder.  The statistics as they pertain to adults are nearly as alarming.

  ADHD-affected adults are twice as likely to have an accident as other drivers and are five times more likely to lose their drivers license due to multiple infractions.

"Medication treatment reduces those driving performance problems," says Russell Barkley, a SUNY (State University of New York) medical school professor who was a part of the studies. 

Not wishing to put test subjects on the road, the studies relied on the use of simulators to measure a number of important driving habits including speeding, tailgating, and reaction times.  The results varied with the different drugs.

Among young drivers age 16–19, the use of Concerta seemed to make a significant difference in helping the driver making wise decisions while on the road.  Adderall users did not demonstrate significant change in driving behaviors among this age group.

For adults, Adderall XL was more effective, especially for the 19-25 year old group.  Among adults age 22-26, Strattera users showed the most improvement. 

Those who treat adult and youth with these drugs note that they spend much time deciding which drug is best for their patient and hope that the drugs can have an overall positive affect on all aspects of their life, including the ability to drive safely and make wise decisions while operating an automobile.