Research by the by ethical breakdown provider, the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has found that stressed out and aggressive drivers not only add to road danger, but lower the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.
According to a poll of British drivers by the association, drivers in Scotland are the least stressed and least inclined to shout at other motorists, but the most likely to become involved in a physical altercation. The research also found that the most stressed drivers in Britain are those in the Midlands and Wales, but more Londoners have had their car deliberately rammed into than anyone else.
Only one in ten drivers felt embarrassed about their behaviour behind the wheel.
Although levels of driver stress differed around the country, motorists from every region were found in need of ‘green driving techniques’ to help them stay calm and improve their fuel efficiency. So ETA has some simple advice ahead of the start of its famous Green Transport Week (13-21 June 2009) which also coincides with Bike Week:
1. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking to save fuel, reduce wear and tear and feel more relaxed
2. Look as far as possible up the road to reduce stop/start driving, reduce fuel consumption and make you a safer driver
Director at the ETA, Andrew Davis said: “Congestion, fuel prices and other motorists are perennial causes of stress, but one in three drivers said it was simply the mood they were already in that was reflected in the way they drove. Those who follow our advice are likely to be safer, greener and financially better off into the bargain.”
Driving traits by region:
Scotland: The least stressed drivers, but four times as likely as northerners to be involved in a violent road rage incident. The least likely to feel scared while driving, although one in five admitted to having taken a different route to feel safer
North: Least likely to be involved in a violent road rage incident, but over half admit to having been shouted or gestured at
Midlands and Wales: Young drivers (18-24) living here are the most stressed in Britain
London: The most likely to have had their car rammed in a road rage incident – four times as likely as drivers in Scotland. Most likely to have been shouted at (66 per cent), but the least likely to admit to doing the same (33 per cent)
By age: British drivers across all regions admitted their passengers had been surprised at how angry they become behind the wheel, although this was three times as likely to have happened to younger drivers as those aged over fifty-five.
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