US research studies suggest that autistic drivers have fewer crashes than their non-autistic peers
Driving With Developmental Disabilities
It is becoming more common for people who have developmental disabilities to drive. Autism and ADHD are common disabilities that people have while still being able to drive safely. However, someone with a developmental disability should not drive if the symptoms of their disability can cause them to be at a higher risk for a vehicle crash.
Teens with developmental disabilities can learn how to drive, but parents should ensure they’re ready first. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recommends a few questions for parents to ask before deciding if their teen is ready:
Do you believe your teen is consistently showing good judgment and maturity in social settings?
How receptive is your teen to constructive criticism and instruction?
How well does your teen show knowledge of the rules of the road and other skills taught in driver education classes?
Does your teen agree to practice driving with a skilled adult before driving independently?
Are there any medical or behavioral conditions that you believe may prevent your teen from being able to drive safely?
Does your teen need any medical interventions to ensure safe driving behaviors?
Autism
People with autism are still able to drive safely. In fact, a study from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Autism and Research and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention found that young drivers with autism were 45 percent less likely to be issued citations for a moving violation than the average for people of their age.
Nonetheless, people with autism may experience some challenges while driving, including:
· Becoming easily distracted by things happening around them
· Having difficulty with hand-eye-foot coordination
Some driving instructors specialize in teaching people with autism how to drive and overcome some of their challenges. They suggest some simple tasks during driver training:
· Practicing the same skill many times
· Using driving simulation experiences such as video games to become familiar with vehicle controls and driving functions
· Identifying the specific areas the individual needs to work on to help them overcome their driving challenges
Information supplied copyright : https://www.milavetzlaw.com/driving-with-a-disability-guide/
References:
Curry, A. E., Metzger, K. B., Carey, M.E., Sartin, E.B., Huang, P., Yerys, E. (2021).
Comparison of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Traffic Violations, and License Suspensions Between Autistic
and Non-Autistic Adolescent and Young Adult Drivers. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry www.jaacap.org 923 Volume 60 / Number 7 / July 2021.
