Do you get stressed out while driving?
Do you often feel anxious when you’re at the wheel? Many drivers experience tension, in fact, as many as one in five drivers in the UK. Here are some tips to help you feel a little calmer on the road:
Why is driving so stressful?
There are many factors that can increase the stress levels a person will experience. Regularly driving in rush hour, in congested areas and being stuck in traffic jams can all increase levels of anxiety. Outside factors, such as family or work problems can also be contributing to feeling tense on the roads. Stress is bad for us – potentially making us feel physically and mentally unwell, not to mention affecting our ability to concentrate.
How to reduce stress while driving
If you get stressed by congestion or the risk of being late, it can be helpful to always plan your route ahead of time, try to avoid peak time travel and maybe drive at slightly different times of day if you can. You could also leave 20 minutes earlier, ensure your sat nav is updated with the latest maps and search for parking options online before setting off.
If you are an all-round nervous driver, try to get out in your car more often. This might sound the opposite to how you feel, but the more you drive, the more comfortable you will become. Driving more in your local area will help familiarise yourself with different roads and gain you the confidence needed to tackle busier roads.
If you need to go on a long journey, whether for business or leisure, it is often a good idea to relax and let someone else take care of the driving for you. If you want to book a holiday or break, you should be focusing on relaxing and being kind to yourself, not getting worked up on the motorway. Consider Coach Hire Dorset instead. Coach Hire Dorset from Turners will get you where you need to go with no stress at all.
Breaking down or the prospect of breaking down is something that can cause a great deal of anxiety. Ensure you keep your car regularly serviced and carry out checks before heading off on a long journey.
Don’t drive when you feel angry or when you feel overly tired. Always take a break and feel well rested before getting in your car. Driving when you’re angry, tired or hungry could cause you to drive in manner that causes stress to other road users. Even experienced drivers must remind themselves to drive within speed limits, obey signs and drive respectfully.
If another driver becomes angry and shouts or gesticulates at you, never respond and don’t rise to their anger. Ignore them and if the situation warrants it, lock your doors and keep the engine running. If another driver ever follows you, drive to the nearest police station or busy petrol station where there are lots of people around. Remember the make, model and colour of the vehicle, along with registration number and contact the police as soon as it’s safe to do so.
