The association of childhood symptoms of conduct disorder and collision risk in adulthood

Abstract

IntroductionDespite limited research, existing evidence suggests that there is an association between conduct disorder (CD) and various risky driver behaviours, such as driver aggression and driving after drinking. The current study sought to estimate the association between probable CD during childhood and past-year collision risk. MethodsData were based on interviews with 5297 respondents who reported having driven in the past year, derived from the 2011–2013 cycles of the CAMH Monitor, a cross-sectional survey of adults in Ontario, Canada aged 18 years and older. A binary logistic regression was conducted of self-reported collision involvement in the previous 12 months, assessing demographic characteristics, driving exposure, demonstrated symptoms of ADHD, mild driver aggression, driving after drinking, and childhood (before age 15 years) symptoms of CD. ResultsThe unadjusted odds ratio of past-year collision involvement for those reporting childhood symptoms of CD was 1.76 (95% CI = 1.10, 2.82). Adjusting for potential covariates, self-reporting childhood symptoms of CD was significantly associated with a 77% increase in the odds of a crash (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.01, 3.11). ConclusionThese findings add to a growing literature and suggest that treatment for CD should include a focus on driver safety.