Stressed drivers risk accidents

09 December 2004

A ‘must-do’ deadline culture is causing accidents on UK roads, according to a new survey by Bridgestone.

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A ‘must-do’ deadline culture is causing accidents on UK roads, according to a new survey by Bridgestone.

The tyre manufacturer talked to more than 1000 motorists and found that work, family and social pressures mean they are often late and drive dangerously as a result.

On average, 18 out of a weekly 28 journeys are driven to a deadline, according to the survey. Two thirds of motorists admitted they took serious risks with safety in a bid to make up time, and half said they had had an accident or a near-miss because of this pressure.

Many drivers start behind schedule with one in four journeys beginning 10 minutes late. More than half admitted they broke speed limits, 42% said they jumped red lights, 29% raced between speed cameras and 27% undertook other vehicles.

Steve Howat of Bridgestone said: ‘Because of the demand facing people today, “can do” is no longer enough and “must do” is essential. What’s emerging from our research is the potential for this approach to have an alarming toll on road safety.’

A handful of motorists were also studied in more depth, one company director recording a peak heart rate of 160 beats per minute – more than twice an average resting heart rate – as he sped over the limit, ignored traffic calming measures, became aggressive to other drivers and ran a red light.

Whatcar.com editor James Harding said: ‘You’re more likely to be involved in an accident if you’re late and rushing, but driving while stressed is also bad for your health in general.

Bridgestone suggests adding a minute to every mile of your journey – or two when the weather is bad. Keep car maintenance up to date so a problem does not delay a departure and take deep breaths before you leave to relax.

Do not be afraid to stop if you find yourself driving dangerously so you can calm down, and pull over if children are misbehaving or distracting you.