Avoiding stress on the road

Driving causes stress to millions of people in the UK every time they go out on the roads, and results in bad driving, bad health and bad behaviour. Just a few things that driving stress can cause are:

  • Heart disease
  • Poor mental health – depression and anxiety
  • Road rage incidents
  • Speeding
  • Car accidents

So how can you avoid stress on the road?

  • Allow plenty of time for your journey and plan your route. If you get held up along the way, remember that your safety and the safety of others around you is more important than you getting to your destination on time, so try to be patient and not to get frustrated in queues.
  • Play music that you like or listen to the radio. Researchers have found that the best music to play in the car to keep stress levels low is music that has a slower rhythmic rate than your heart beat. Don’t play your music too loud though – it can be a cause of irritation for other drivers, and it may become distracting or prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.
  • Avoid rush hour if possible. 68% of drivers reported that they found driving in rush hour stressful.
  • Stay cool and comfortable. Turn on the air conditioning or open a window if you feel yourself becoming hot and bothered. Adjust your seat and mirrors so that you are in a comfortable driving position.
  • If you see someone driving badly, don’t let them provoke you. Try to stay calm and avoid eye contact with the other driver, as this can increase aggression.

If you feel yourself getting stressed

  • Breathe deeply. This slows your heartbeat and will make you feel calmer.
  • Try to move away from the driver that has annoyed you, whether this be changing lanes, or dropping back.
  • If possible, stop in a safe place and take a short walk.

Being stressed increases the chance of being in an accident, so we hope that this information can keep you safe and make our roads a safer place for everyone.

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