Causes Of Stress Behind The Wheel
The causes of stress behind the wheel can be diverse. Although many of the stressors do not respond to the driving action itself, but vary according to the personality and circumstances of each user.
Wasting time
The time is gold. And behind the wheel its value seems to multiply, not only metaphorically, since only fuel represents a significant expense. There are many causes of stress behind the wheel; we will see the most important ones.
Find a place to park
The more modern the city, the more difficult it becomes to find a parking space, which automatically translates into a great – and at times inexhaustible – source of stress.
High circulation density
Traffic jams are among the most popular causes of driving stress. Even if the traffic is constant, but the flow of cars is high, many drivers can become stressed by the excess of company. Even the most veteran.
Moving on a fast track and running into a vehicle that is ‘out for a walk’, as well as driving in the slow lane and a car behind it starts to whistle, are also causes of annoyance.
Go through dangerous situations
No driver wants to be involved in traffic accidents. For this reason, being in situations of imminent risk is among the most important causes of stress behind the wheel. Some of these are:
Emergency braking
Driving at 120 km / h on the left lane of a highway and suddenly an obstacle crosses is the nightmare of many. Even on the streets and avenues of urban centers, sudden stops are often frequent.
The recklessness of third parties
Some say that when driving, each person must anticipate the movements of other drivers. Only this ‘exercise’ is a source of stress. But peaks of anguish occur when others act recklessly, against the most basic common sense and traffic laws.
Learn how to drive
Learner drivers often suffer from high levels of stress, a situation that can lead to driving terror. The little patience that the occupants of the other vehicles on the road can sometimes have greatly influences a lot.
Other causes of stress behind the wheel
There are many variables not exclusively related to the action of driving that can intervene to increase levels of anxiety and stress. Factors that concern, sometimes, exclusively specific people.
Inability to control emotions
Individuals who do not control anger appear first on all lists. Also those who are at the opposite extreme and become dangerously permissive drivers. Within this same group, people with depression and low self-esteem can be included ; also the very anxious or with sleep disorders.
Afraid
Those who have been involved in traffic accidents can suffer from post-traumatic stress. Similarly, some people suffer, even without knowing it, from amaxophobia or fear of driving.
Bad habits
Those who tend to speed faster are more likely to suffer from stress. The same goes for people who have difficulty following orders.
How to avoid stress
Stressed drivers represent the fourth leading cause of traffic accidents. Therefore, stress is never a good companion. To reduce the levels of anguish and that you do not become a ‘co-pilot’, there are recommendations to follow:
- Do not take the problems of daily life behind the wheel. Drivers must concentrate exclusively on the road, without trying to resolve family or work situations.
- Avoid time trials . It is always preferable to leave with enough time to arrive safely at the destination.
- Tolerance and patience. In big traffic jams, honking your horn will only serve to stress other drivers. Similarly, arguments should be avoided as much as possible.
- A tired driver is a stressed driver. Good sleep is important for your health, and also for sitting behind the wheel of a car. On long trips you should make frequent stops to rest and stretch your legs.
