Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the daily lives of 3% of French adults. According to an ONISR analysis, people with ADHD are 20-40% more likely to have a road accident than the general population.
Solutions exist to assess, train and support these drivers in a personalised way: driving simulators.
ADHD and driving: understanding the difficulties encountered
ADHD directly affects several cognitive functions that are essential for driving: sustained attention, information processing, priority management and inhibition of impulsive behaviour. These disorders can lead to risky behaviour such as :
- increased distractibility in the face of external stimuli,
- poor anticipation of complex situations (junctions, lane changes),
- slower or inappropriate reaction times,
- difficulty in maintaining stable driving or complying with speed limits.
Drivers with ADHD also commit more offences and accidents, often due to a lack of risk awareness and a tendency to be impulsive. This vulnerability is particularly marked among young drivers in the learning phase.
The simulator as a tool for assessing attention disorders
Driving simulators provide a safe environment for observing a driver’s reactions without exposure to real risk. They enable typical scenarios to be created and objective data to be recorded: trajectory, reaction time, driving errors, management of unforeseen events. At Develter Innovation, these tools are enhanced by :
- eye tracking, to measure visual concentration,
- integration of distractors (sound, visual, conversational),
- replay mode to review behaviour in detail.
In the case of ADHD, these functions make it possible to spot warning signals (persistent inattention, impulsive reactions, poor perception of danger, etc.) and offer an initial decision-making tool for health professionals or driving instructors. It is also a way of raising drivers’ own awareness of their difficulties, in a non-stigmatising context.
Several clinical studies, notably summarised in a Canadian publication validated by the French National Authority for Health (HAS), confirm the positive impact of drug treatment on the driving ability of ADHD patients.
Testing and supporting medication in rehabilitation
Simulators also play a key role in monitoring medication. The study cited by the HAS shows that ADHD patients undergoing medical treatment experience improved performance, with a 50% reduction in collisions, improved lateral stability and a reduction in inappropriate braking.
The reproducibility of simulation scenarios means that 2 driving sessions – before and after treatment – can be accurately compared. The simulator thus becomes a tool for monitoring drug efficacy, as well as a means of reassuring patients about their ability to drive again.
Develter Innovation simulators thus offer a reliable, reproducible and reassuring assessment framework to support drivers with ADHD. Thanks to a detailed analysis of behaviour and controlled scenarios, they can be used to prevent risks, personalise support and restore confidence behind the wheel.