Pnina Gershon Presents on Mental Health and Driving Safety at the 2025 Lifesavers Conference
by Niels Wu
AgeLab Research Scientist Pnina Gershon gave a presentation titled “Distractions You Can’t See—Insights on Mental Health and Driving Outcomes” during a panel discussion at the 2025 Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety. Other panel members were Jennifer Katzenstein of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Courtney Nowland of the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office.
Gershon began by highlighting the substantial prevalence of mental health conditions in the US; slightly less than a quarter of all American adults are diagnosed with a mental health condition. She also cited the prevalence of common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and OCD.
Gershon then observed a connection between mental health conditions and driver distraction; when picturing distracted driving, one often imagines the presence and baleful influence of smartphones or other passengers in the vehicle. But mental health conditions can act as “invisible” distractions, that may affect one’s hazard perception, impulse control, and situational awareness—all important factors in maintaining safe driving.
Mental health comorbidities can create further risks for drivers. For example, data shows that drivers diagnosed with both ADHD and depression or anxiety had the highest rate of crashes, higher even than those diagnosed with ADHD only or depression or anxiety only. Gershon also discussed demographic differences that contribute to increased risks among young drivers, including limited driving experience, proclivity for taking risks, and exhibiting a greater overall frequency of mental health conditions.
In the interest of promoting safer driving, Gershon concluded her presentation with strategies that could help mitigating driving risks. Medication adherence programs could help drivers manage the effects of mental health conditions. Driver assistance technologies such as lane-departure warnings could reduce drivers’ cognitive loads while on the road. Cognitive-behavioral techniques could increase awareness and regulate cognitive and emotional distractions. Lastly, multi-modal interventions such as simulator-based training and telematics feedback could benefit young or otherwise high-risk drivers.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gershon's health and technology research is driving innovation by providing insights on integrating biometric, behavioral, and performance data into intelligent, personalized assistance systems. These technologies can offer context-aware feedback, targeted interventions, and adaptive coaching, ultimately promoting safer, more adaptive, and individualized driver experiences.
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