A new study found a link between having depression later in life and riskier driving

This Health Condition Could Be Making You a Riskier Driver Here's what to know about the connection

• A new study found that older adults with depression had riskier driving behaviors compared to those without depression.
• Notably, the link persisted even after researchers controlled for medications that may impair driving.
• Depression can make people distracted and more impulsive, leading to more dangerous behavior on the road, experts said.

Older adults with depression may be riskier drivers, according to a new study.

The research, published Dec. 30 in JAMA Network Open, found an association between driving behaviors like hard braking and speeding in participants aged 65 and older and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), a mood condition that can cause extreme sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. Notably, the link existed even when researchers controlled for medications that might otherwise impair driving. 

Researchers focused on the driving habits of older adults because late-life depression is a prevalent and often underdiagnosed condition that has significant consequences for this population, lead study author Ganesh M. Babulal, PhD, OTD, an associate professor of neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told Health. 

“Depression has been linked to cognitive impairments, such as diminished reaction time, executive function, and divided attention, which are critical for safe driving,” Babulal said.

“As the population of older adults continues to grow, with many relying on driving for independence, employment, and social engagement,” he added, “understanding how depression impacts driving behaviors is crucial for promoting safety and quality of life.”

Finding a Link Between Depression and Risky Driving

The new research echoes previous studies examining the connection between older adults’ driving behavior and mental health, including a 2018 study finding that living with depression “accelerates the onset of driving problems in cognitively normal older adults.”

But Babulal said that most of the existing research included controlled conditions or self-reporting, both of which can yield inaccurate results and leave unanswered questions. 

To fill in the research gap, Babulal and his colleagues conducted a longitudinal study using real-world driving data. They recruited a total of 395 participants ages 65 and older, 85 of whom had a major depressive disorder diagnosis.

From July 2021 to December 2023, vehicle data loggers measured participants' driving behaviors such as hard braking, hard cornering, randomness of driving routes, speeding, and distances traveled.

Participants with depression demonstrated more frequent hard braking and cornering, speeding, and driving to faraway destinations compared to their peers without depression. The link persisted even after controlling for factors like age, sex, race, physical medical conditions, antidepressant usage, and total medication load.

“We concluded that these behaviors highlight the need for tailored interventions and comprehensive care approaches to enhance road safety and maintain the independence of older drivers with MDD,” Babulal said.

One limitation of the study is that the researchers only considered the participants’ baseline depression but didn’t take into account how their symptoms may have changed over time. Also, the study didn’t factor in the impact of other psychiatric conditions that occur alongside MDD.

Do the Findings Apply to Younger Drivers, Too?

While the study centered on older adults, Babulal thinks its findings are still relevant for younger people with depression. 

Depression can affect anyone’s ability to drive safely—regardless of age, Carolina Estevez, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at Crestone Wellness in Florida, told Health. People with depression may be distracted on the road, have a slower reaction time, or have careless or impulsive driving behaviors, like hard braking or speeding.

“Younger drivers might have quicker reflexes and better physical health, but symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and emotional distress can still make driving more challenging,” Estevez said. “This study really drives home the point that depression doesn’t just live in your thoughts—it affects how you function in day-to-day life, including something as routine as driving.”

That said, the specific risks and driving habits might differ across age groups because of variations in lifestyle, resilience, and self-regulation strategies. “Further research is needed to explore these effects in younger populations and develop age-appropriate interventions to enhance driving safety for all individuals with depression,” Babulal said.

How to Avoid Risky Driving Behavior

For drivers who’ve been diagnosed with depression, regular follow-ups with a medical provider can help maintain well-being as well as safe driving, Michelle Dees, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, told Health. 

But older adults without a history of depression should also have regular mental health screenings that could identify potentially risky driving behavior, said Simon Faynboym, MD, a psychiatrist and medical director of Neuro Wellness Spa. For people at risk, interventions could include “seeing a mental health specialist, such as a therapist, to learn about self-awareness and to understand driving limitations,” he told Health.

Estevez recommends that all drivers—regardless of age—assess themselves before getting behind the wheel. Pay attention to whether you’re feeling overly tired, foggy, or emotionally overwhelmed, and if something feels off, delay driving or ask someone else for help.

Simple habits like taking regular breaks on long drives, minimizing distractions, and sticking to familiar routes when you’re feeling low can also make driving safer. “Driving is something many of us take for granted, but it’s a complex activity that requires both mental and physical sharpness,” Estevez said. “Taking care of your mental health isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about staying safe and confident behind the wheel.”

Edited by Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jani Hall Jani Hall Jani Hall is a news editor for Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation. learn more

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Elizabeth Yuko, PhD