Are You A Freak Out Driver? Six Ways You Can Chill Out Behind The Wheel.

Do you get stressed out behind the wheel? Think driver stress is no big deal? Think again.

According to a collaboration between the car manufacturer Audi and the Senseable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, called “The Road Frustration Index,” city driving is considered as stressful as sky diving out of an airplane. This study is not based on burning up a Formula One racetrack at over 200 mph, but simple, routine, every-day driving.  Moreover, there have been many studies done that link up heightened driver stress with vehicle collisions.

Therefore, if you want to reduce your chance of vehicle collision, you need to lower your stress while driving. Stress raises cortisol in your brain (which triggers your fight or flight response), and thus impairs your ability to think and respond to the unexpected.

As we saw in the last article, the holiday season is the peak vehicle collision season. So, here are some ways that you can lower your driver stress and in turn lower your risk of accident:

1.   Create a Relaxed Environment: Skip the rambunctious rush hour radio programs, and instead play calming music. Try things like massaging seat covers and essential oils. Rid yourself of distracting objects, such as cell-phones, reports, newspapers, or grooming products.

2.   Start out Calm: Clear your mind of problems before starting your vehicle, so you can focus on the road and hazards ahead. Don’t drive if you’re sleepy or angry. Don’t dwell on negative thoughts.

3.   Plan Your Route Beforehand and Leave Extra Time: Heading somewhere late can heat up the stress levels. Stay calm by allowing yourself extra time, and plan out your route beforehand if you’re, say, going somewhere to a meeting for the first time. If you’re running late, remind yourself that being late is not as bad as causing a potentially fatal accident.

4.   Keep your Kids Entertained: Bored, noisy children can cause the blood pressure to rise. Quiet children make for a relaxing drive. Keep them occupied with audio books, video games, or other forms of entertainment.

5.   Do a Routine Check-In with Yourself: “How am I feeling? What’s my posture? What thoughts are rolling around my mind?” Take a deep breath. Relax your hand on the steering wheel. Sit back in your seat. Roll your shoulders and head, wiggle your jaw around, and chill your body out. 

6.   Avoid Aggressive Drivers: If you encounter an aggressive driver, simply let them pass, or get out of their way. Don’t bother with them by making eye contact or honking your horn—this can cause road rage and even a collision.

Follow these stress-lowering techniques and you will reduce your risk of collision. Who knows—you might even enjoy your drive.