MOST RESPONSIBLE MOTORISTS are aware that they need to keep a close eye on tyre pressures, brake pads and oil and coolant levels if they want safe and stress-free motoring, but a UK charity has suggested motorists should also be checking on themselves and others before getting behind the wheel.
Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Life can be a hard road, and sometimes we need time to put the brakes on and take some time for ourselves. We are living in extraordinary times where the need for mental health support services is definitely on the increase. It’s therefore essential that we recognise the struggles many of us face during such challenging times and do all we can to help each other.”
Richard also offered some words of advice to those who find themselves feeling stressed or anxious behind the wheel. “Sometimes, driving can worsen any feelings of anxiety, which can lead to driving becoming an unpleasant, and even unsafe experience. To mitigate these risks, drivers should ensure they get plenty of rest before long drives, carefully plan their journeys and remove any distractions.”
It’s good advice, because the cause of most crashes is not mechanical failure. It is drivers making poor decisions. And anxious or pre-occupied drivers make more poor decisions than drivers with a good mental attitude.