Fast and furious: How your car environment can influence the way you drive

From traffic jams to kids fighting in the back seat, the mood in your car can influence how you drive and impact safety. Here’s how to stay calm behind the wheel.

Whether it’s the music playing on the car radio or a stressful day at work, what’s happening around you could affect your driving behaviour – and may cost you your ability to pay full attention on the road.

Driving distracted can make it hard to maintain a consistent speed, cause you to drift across lanes, and slow your reaction time, increasing your risk of having an accident.

Factors that can influence how you drive

Road rage and driver aggression

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of Australian adults say they’ve experienced angry or aggressive drivers on the roads.

These drivers make risky decisions including speeding, dangerous lane switching and tailgating.

While busy roads may be a contributing factor, research suggests a lack of courteous behaviour may also trigger road rage, Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White explains.

“Half of the nation has reported a rise in road aggression while simultaneously, more than 55 per cent have seen a decline in gestures such as the ‘thank you’ wave,” Russell says.

“This may seem simple, but often it’s kindness and recognition that influence our mood while on the road that can have a huge impact on the way we drive.”

The music in your car

While slow-paced music can help keep drivers calm, fast-tempo songs could lead to an increase in adrenaline, impatience and, potentially, speeding.

Additionally, a study found drivers who listened to medium-tempo tracks were better at maintaining their attention on the road for a longer period of time.

“That’s not to say that you can’t listen to your favourite tunes while driving,” Russell says.

“It’s just about being conscious about your driving actions and making sure that safety is front and centre every time you’re operating a vehicle.”

Traffic conditions

Increased travelling time caused by traffic can change someone’s driving behaviour because of the frustration and stress.

“We tend to drive faster post traffic and subconsciously more recklessly to make up for lost time,” Russell explains.

“It can also increase driver aggression, putting other road users at risk.”

Children in the car

A Finnish study found drivers with children in the car are less prone to engage in risk-taking behaviour, but they are more likely to get distracted while on the road.

Psychologist and Headspace mental health expert Carly Dober adds while crying or fighting children in the car can be distracting, they can also brighten the mood.

“Kids can make the experience better if they’re participating in conversations with the driver and everyone is in a relaxed and joyful mood.”

Fatigue and stress

Carly says a driver’s cognitive functioning can be temporarily impaired by stress and tiredness, which may worsen from the demands of being on the road.

“When other factors like a fight with your partner or boss, or lack of sleep are where your energy is primarily going to, it’s likely your driving will suffer,” she says.

In addition, tired drivers suffer more stress while driving than drivers who don’t feel fatigued; and stress is strongly associated with a more aggressive driving style, with sudden accelerations and more frequent braking.

How to maintain a safe driving environment

To practise being less distracted on the road, Carly says drivers could try various mindfulness exercises.

“If you don’t know where to start, free programs such as Headspace offer many short courses and guided mindfulness tracks that focus specifically on anger, work stress, and being in contact with the present moment,” she says.

Driver safety tips

To help you stay safe while driving, Russell suggests the following:

• Keep your phone out of sight and reach (such as in the glove box)
• Adjust all vehicle controls before you start driving
• Make sure your vehicle is fit for the journey
• Plan your route and check the map before driving to know what lies ahead
• Ask your passengers to be considerate of your focus
• Take a break to eat or drink and rest to reduce your risk of driver fatigue

Read more on driver safety, mindfulness and how to beat fatigue:

• How to help your P-plater drive safely
• Top 4 mindfulness apps for better health
• Waking up tired? Here’s what to do about it
• Why it pays to be mindful in the moment

Written by Melissa Hong.