Effects Of Stress On Driving: What To Do To Avoid Risks?
Stress is a normal psychological process, which influences both the physical and mental levels, and usually appears in situations that require certain levels of attention to what is being done by the person. It is a phenomenon that up to certain levels is necessary for correct performance in certain tasks that require greater activation.
However, when stress levels exceed a person, problems begin to appear, which can cause serious consequences in various contexts, such as when driving. Among the effects of stress on driving, we can find more aggressive driving behavior, distractions behind the wheel, fatigue and even reckless driving, among others.
In this article you will find the phases of stress explained and How stress influences us when driving a vehicle
What are the situations that usually cause stress?
There is a wide variety of factors and situations that can influence when generating negative stress that can seriously affect driving, some of them being those that we are going to comment on below, since it is advisable to take them into account before seeing what they are. the effects of stress on driving.
1. Work overload
It is quite common that the prolonged negative stress that many people suffer has been caused in large part by having a great overload at work, which causes work stress : the mind keeps going over and over again from one worry to the next.
2. Sudden changes in life
Another factor that can favor the development of prolonged stress is that the person has suffered some sudden change in their life, such as a change of job, having become unemployed, having changed place of residence, having suffered a romantic breakup the death of a loved one, etc.
3. High self-demand
People with high levels of self-demand in one or several facets of their life They usually lead a fast pace of life, in addition to being remarkably competitive and have a tendency to get frustrated when things do not go as expected, so they have a greater predisposition to suffer stress.
4. Situations that cause insecurity and/or stress while driving
There are a wide variety of situations that can arise while a person is driving that can cause stress: poor environmental conditions, traffic jams, driving through excessively noisy environments driving on a road that is not in acceptable conditions for vehicle traffic, etc.
When a person is doing internships with the driving school in order to get their driving license or even when they have just gotten it and have not yet acquired enough experience, you are more likely to suffer stress while driving.
6. Fear of driving (amaxophobia)
There are many cases of people who have developed a phobia of driving , also known as amaxophobia. This psychological alteration may have been developed for various reasons associated with highly stressful or distress-generating experiences.
7. Stress caused by having witnessed or suffered a traffic accident
Another cause that can cause the development of stress while driving It may be the fact of having witnessed a traffic accident or even having survived an accident in the past which can also lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The effects of stress on driving
Next we are going to see the effects of stress on driving according to the different phases of the development of this alteration that affects people both psychologically, according to Hans Selye’s stress theory. The so-called “general adaptation syndrome” It is divided into three major phases: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.
1. Alarm reaction phase
The first phase that develops due to the effects of stress on driving is the “alarm” phase, which occurs when the body of the person behind the wheel of a vehicle is overloaded by various factors that we mentioned in the previous section. (e.g., work overload, some situation that has caused stress while driving, etc.), so your body needs to mobilize a large amount of energy in order to adapt and cope with the situation that has generated stress.
When the body has entered the alarm phase, it must prepare to obtain speed and muscle strength, so that Blood glucose and adrenaline levels increase, and breathing, heart rate, muscle tone and blood pressure also increase
In turn, the mind must prepare to process the information that is most relevant at those moments in a more efficient way, thus focusing the focus of attention on the stressor and, in this way, some cognitive functions such as memory, attention and decision making would be seriously altered.
In some cases, when a driver is in this alarm phase, if the stress levels are not too high and this situation does not last for too long, he or she could drive normally, since the body would be prepared to respond to that situation.
Otherwise, It would be best to stop at the first possible place to do so in order to rest a little and start the journey as soon as you feel calmer or there could even be a change of driver. If you feel overwhelmed by this stressful situation, a series of negative consequences could occur that will affect your driving.
Therefore, the effects of stress on driving during the alarm phase are the following:
More aggressive driving behavior can provoke other drivers.
Impulsive and impatient reactions to the wheel that can cause driving speed to increase.
Less respect for coexistence in traffic and also for traffic rules.
Reckless, or even reckless, driving behavior.
A lower perception of the risks behind the wheel when you are not in the ideal conditions to drive.
2. Resistance phase
The second phase that occurs due to the effects of stress on driving It develops when the driver’s body is not able to maintain itself in the previous state of alarm for a longer period of time so that if this stressful situation continues, your body will have to simultaneously maintain certain levels of response to the source of stress as well as the rest of the bodily functions essential for survival.
In this stage, therefore, responses to stress continue, both physically and psychologically, although with a lower intensity than in the alarm phase and, as a result, causes excessive wear and tear on the person so it tends to appear various health problems related to stress, such as digestive disorders or headaches, among others.
In this second phase, the effects of stress on driving are one or more of those listed below, being similar to those of the alarm phase but with a lower intensity :
Aggressiveness, competitiveness or even hostility while driving.
Less caution behind the wheel, which could lead to reckless behavior.
Less respect for traffic rules and traffic signs.
Less tolerance for frustration in situations involving the slightest mishap or setback while driving.
3. Exhaustion phase
The third phase that occurs due to the effects of stress on driving is “exhaustion”, which It develops when stress lasts for a long time, causing deep tiredness in those who reach this phase.
When exhaustion caused by stress occurs, various problems appear that will affect the quality of life of the person who suffers from them. Let’s see what they are.
Your immune system may be weakened.
Alterations could appear in the circulatory system.
Possible muscle pain and/or migraines.
Sleep disorders; especially insomnia.
Digestive disorders; possible ulcers should be highlighted
Fatigue will appear quite easily and intensely.
Mood alterations, impulsiveness, irritability, frequent forgetfulness, concentration problems, etc.
Once a person is in this phase of stress, it must be noted that will suffer a serious deterioration in performance at all levels, including the ability to drive well , so it would be dangerous for you to use a vehicle in this situation. The most advisable thing is to rest and not get behind the wheel until the stress symptoms subside or at least decrease to acceptable levels that do not affect proper performance when driving a vehicle.
In the exhaustion phase, the effects of stress on driving are as follows:
Decisions in this phase will be slower, so you will be more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel.
You could end up respecting coexistence in traffic and traffic rules even less.
You will have even greater difficulty concentrating behind the wheel, making it easier for you to become distracted.
You will suffer greater fatigue while driving, making it very dangerous to travel certain distances behind the wheel.
There is a greater chance that you will commit some reckless action while driving.
There is a greater chance that he will suffer alterations in his mood and behave aggressively.
You may be interested: “What is impulsivity? Its causes and effects on behavior”
Tips to combat the effects of stress when driving a vehicle
There are a series of Recommendations that should be taken into account to combat the effects of stress when driving or even to avoid them. It’s all about these tips.
Get into the habit of going to the destinations you want to drive to well in advance.
Regulate the temperature of the vehicle’s air conditioning to your liking.
Remain tolerant and patient in the face of traffic jams.
Prioritize needs and not set unattainable goals for yourself.
Plan daily tasks in a structured way so that they do not pile up and cause stress.
Acquire healthy habits in life: do relaxing activities, exercise, eat healthy, etc.
Stay well hydrated.
Stay focused on the road and avoid focusing on day-to-day concerns.
Listen to relaxing music while driving.
Be careful when consuming stimulating drinks such as coffee or tea that can worsen stress.
Do not drive while tired or when you are sleepy.
Leave with enough time when you take a vehicle to be able to deal with any unforeseen event that may arise.
Find a rest area if someone is tired or sleepy behind the wheel.
Have good sleeping habits to avoid drowsiness and fatigue while driving, as well as to be at full performance.
Take short breaks from time to time when you have to make a long trip.
Drive in shifts if you are making a long trip and there is more than one person available to drive.
If you are stressed behind the wheel, it is best to stop and rest or let someone else drive.
Drive slowly and do not exceed the speed limits, respecting traffic rules.
Try not to overtake on the road when you have a certain level of stress.
