Previous research has shown a relationship between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) symptoms and driving anger and adverse driving outcomes. Moreover, adults
with ADHD symptoms express their emotions in more aggressive ways, indicating a lack of
emotion control. The present study surveyed 246 college students to examine the relationship
among ADHD symptoms, negative emotions, emotion control, and driving anger and
safe driving behavior. Mediating effects of negative emotions and emotional control on the
relationship between ADHD symptoms and self-reported driving anger and safe driving
behavior were also examined. Both negative emotions and emotion control were significant
mediators of the relationship between ADHD symptoms and driving anger, but
not safe driving behavior. Mediation was stronger for ADHD-Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms
than for ADHD-Inattention symptoms. These results may provide some insight on
how to design training programs for individuals with ADHD symptoms to increase driving
safety.