Conference Proceeding

Psychiatric Disorders and Driver Safety: A Systematic Review

Authors
  • Jessica Williams (MANILA Consulting Group, Inc., McLean, VA)
  • Stephen Tregear (MANILA Consulting Group, Inc., McLean, VA)
  • Arit Amana (MANILA Consulting Group, Inc., McLean, VA)

Abstract

Driving is a complicated psychomotor performance that depends on the driver’s ability to maintain effective and reliable control of his or her vehicle; respond to the road, traffic, and other external clues; and follow the “rules of the road”. Psychiatric disorders may interfere with any of the aforementioned driving skills to a significant degree, resulting in impaired driving ability. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between psychiatric disorders and driver safety. The relationship between driver safety and four subgroups of psychiatric disorders was examined, as well as the relationship between crash risk and personality disorder traits. Our results indicate that, while the possibility of an increased crash risk among drivers with psychiatric disorders cannot be ruled out, the evidence concerning crash risk for drivers with psychiatric disorders is inconclusive. Current evidence concerning crash risk among drivers with psychotic, mood, anxiety or personality disorders is inconclusive, although some evidence suggests that individuals with mood disorders are at increased risk for crash. The evidence also suggests an association between certain traits of patients with personality disorders (including aggression, hostility, impulsivity, disregard for law, and various psychological symptoms) and increased crash risk. These results underscore the necessity of more research in the area of psychiatric disorders and driver safety.

How to Cite:

Williams, J. & Tregear, S. & Amana, A., (2011) “Psychiatric Disorders and Driver Safety: A Systematic Review”, Driving Assessment Conference 6(2011), 284-290. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1409

Rights: Copyright © 2011 the author(s)

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Published on
29 Jun 2011
Peer Reviewed