Romantic Road Rage causes nearly 2.5 million accidents
After hitting a tree in the aftermath of a fight with his wife, Tiger Woods may be the most famous victim, but he's far from alone.
Today new research by MORE TH>N Motor Insurance reveals that ‘Romantic Road Rage' has been the cause of nearly 2.5 million prangs and accidents on British roads.
Whether the result of silent treatment (2 units) or a blazing row (12 units), ‘Romantic Road Rage' afflicts almost nine million drivers and poses a very real threat on the highways and byways of Britain. 31% of motorists admit to taking to the wheel in the immediate aftermath of a heated row with a partner - and driving in an aggressive manner as a result.
The research reveals the specific effects of driving in the wake of a dispute - 36% of those surveyed said they pay far less attention to the roads after a row while another 19% admitted to driving erratically following a lovers' tiff.
To help Brits gauge their ‘Romantic Road Rage' level and better understand just how dangerous post-argument driving can be, MORE TH>N and Relationship Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James have worked together to create a unique ‘units system' which evaluates the severity of a dispute, explores its effects and offers a recommended cool-down period before taking to the road.
Honey comments: "A driver's performance can be significantly affected by their emotional state - being upset, angry or frustrated with a partner or lover is a sure-fire way to distract from safe and responsible driving. With personal issues racing through their mind, drivers are at risk of subconsciously releasing tension by driving fast, or on the other hand being distracted by their heartache."
Commenting on the study, MORE TH>N spokesperson Mark Christer said, "With 2.5 million accidents having occurred as a result of ‘Romantic Road Rage', it's vital that drivers understand how getting behind the wheel in an overly emotional state could be the cause of a serious, or even fatal, accident. If you've had a blazing row with a partner you will be wound up, distressed, and un-focused, and that will affect your driving ability. We hope that our alternative unit system will make Brits think twice before speeding off in the car straight after a row."
ROMANTIC ROAD RAGE - Unit System
2 units - The silent treatment
Effects: After being subject to ‘the silent treatment' a driver is likely to feel frustrated and may release tension by stepping on the pedal a little too hard.
Recommended cool-down time: At least five minutes. The driver should calm themselves down by venting their frustrations and texting or calling a friend before they set off. This way they will feel listened to and won't be tempted to drive too fast.
4 units - A snide remark
Effects: Being on the receiving end of a snide remark may cause a driver to feel hurt and upset. This could turn into anger aimed at other motorists, manifested through driving too close to cars in front.
Recommended cool-down time: At least 10 minutes. The driver should consider what it was about the remark that got under his or her skin. If there was no truth in it, then it should be let go...if there was an element of truth, it should be reflected upon later. The issue should be put to bed by taking a few deep breaths.
8 units - A heated debate
Effects: A heated debate with a partner could cause a driver to feel anxious about the state of their relationship. This kind of anxiety can be distracting and could make them lose concentration at the wheel. Reaction times will almost certainly be affected.
Recommended cool-down time: At least 15 minutes. During this period, the driver should attempt to call or text their partner, before they get in the car, to resolve the issue or at least break the ice after the spat. If unable to reach them, the time window should be used to think about a moment in the past when they've disagreed with their partner before having made up and moved on.
10 units - Exchange of cross words
Effects: Exchanging cross words with a partner is likely to leave a driver in a physiological state of anxiety. When stressed the human body reacts and prepares for either ‘fight or flight'. If a driver gets behind the wheel and the ‘flight' instinct takes over, they could drive at speed, erratically and without due care and attention.
Recommended cool-down time: At least 30 minutes. Sufficient time should be allocated for the body to calm down, adrenaline to subside and the heart rate to slow. Taking drawn out, six-second breaths, breathing in for the count of six and out again for the count of six, will help a driver's heart rate stabilise and allow him or her to regain their composure. People should not be tempted to try to resolve things with a partner at this stage; it is likely matters will only escalate.
12 units - Blazing row
Effects: A blazing row will result in the most severe form of Romantic Road Rage - and the acute emotional turmoil it causes can make driving extremely dangerous. Getting behind the wheel in this condition can cause a driver to speed, behave aggressively toward other drivers, drive too close to other vehicles and take unnecessary risks (such as overtaking when it's dangerous). The driver is likely to be very distracted by their heightened emotions.
Recommended cool-down time: At least an hour. The driver should attempt to clear the air with his or her partner before going anywhere near a car, but this isn't always possible. Time is required for emotional levels to return to normal and to give the body a chance to counteract its initial stress response. In this situation, talking matters over with a friend normally proves helpful as it allows the individual to reflect and think things through rationally - rather than get behind the wheel and put themselves, and others, at risk.