Drivers dicing with danger due to everyday stress

Many of Britain's drivers are compromising their safety and that of other road users by taking a drive to clear their heads from stressful situations, according to new research.

Car insurance specialist Admiral found that almost half (44%) of the 3,000 drivers they quizzed admitted they go out for a drive to clear their head and try and make themselves feel less stressed. However, worryingly, more than a third (37%) confess to driving more erratically whenever they're stressed about something and almost half (45%) concede they are more likely to lose concentration behind the wheel when they are in this state.

Over half (56%) knowingly get behind the wheel when stressed about something in their everyday life, and the same percentage admitted this can cause them to feel road rage when behind the wheel.

Admiral's survey also showed how stress manifests itself in people's driving with a fifth (23%) admitting they drive more aggressively, and 12% admitting they drive faster. 6% said driving when stressed makes them go slower - which in some cases can be equally as dangerous.

Admiral enlisted the help of Health Psychologist, David Moxon, to find out how to deal with everyday stress. He thinks that it's all about attitude and control, "It's a good idea to start to understand your own stress. Think about what triggers make you anxious and stressed. Often when people feel this way they start to convince themselves there is nothing they can do to change the situation. This actually couldn't be further from the truth."

He continued, "Managing stress is all about taking control - being in control of your emotions, thoughts and behaviours."

In the short term David advises:

Clench your muscles, hold them tight for 10 seconds then release them. Use this technique with your hands, feet and shoulders.

Make an effort to consciously slow down your general pace of walking and talking.

Make time to go for frequent walks - even if it's only for a few minutes in the open air.

Make sure you drink plenty of water - this is particularly important when you are on a journey.

We are social animals and social support is vital for healthy mental well-being - so make sure you share your worries with someone close and tell them why you are feeling stressed.

Regularly relax in a long hot bath.

Work in your garden, listen to music, and watch comedies you enjoy - laughter really is one of the most effective stress-busting techniques.

With so many people getting behind the wheel when stressed, Admiral has created the De-stress Podcast to provide general tips and techniques to help them deal with stress and to offer some longer-term advice. You can download the Podcast by visiting admiral.com/stress

Admiral is also offering people the chance to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life with a competition to win £1,500 towards a relaxing dream holiday. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize answer the simple questions found at admiral.com/stress

Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, commented, "The results of our survey highlight the impact general everyday stress has on your driving, so it's important that people are aware of this and how to lessen this impact. Hopefully our Podcast will go some way to help give people ideas on combating stress, and I'm sure winning the money towards a relaxing holiday would definitely help as well!"