The Driver - Summer 2016 The Driver - Summer 2016 | Page 30

Teacher’s
Corner:
How Emotions Affect Driving
by

Sam Adewale

C

onstantly, we hear and see
advertisements against
drinking and driving, as well
as texting while driving.
These are positive messages that
can help save lives and reinforce
responsible individual conduct. But
there are many other distractions
that don’t get the same attention,
and they need not be neglected.
Outside of fatigue, a lot of these
distractions are hard to distinguish
and stem from an emotional level.
Stress is something we all deal
with—some on an everyday basis,
others in moderation. If we enter
our vehicles stressed, this can
create a situation where we’re
distracted from the road and it’s
something we may not be aware
of. I’m not going to suggest that
we would be as impaired after

consuming several alcoholic drinks,
but we may not be far off, as our
focus strays from the road and the
percentage of a negative situation
increases.
I want to tell you a story now
of 36-year old Richard. This is a
man with a perfect driving record
since the age of 18 without a traffic
ticket or accident. He’s always been
responsible on the road, and has
emphatically been in support of
drinking and texting driving laws.
One tragic day in Richard’s life, he
faced an emergency when notified
of the sudden death of a loved one.
He raced to his vehicle and drove
like a mad man, as he went through
a roller coaster of emotion on route
to the hospital.
Richard would make it to the
hospital, but not on his own accord.

During the drive, he lost control
of his car and went off road only
to be found six hours later by a
stranger passing by. He was in stable
condition, but had himself admitted
into the hospital, eventually to be
dismissed without any major injuries.
This story was told, as an example
of how detrimental driving under an
extreme emotional state could lead
to further troubles.
When you’re in a heightened
emotional stress state the following
may occur while driving: slow
reaction times, failure to recognize
situations ahead, make risky or
quick manoeuvres and being absent
minded. All of these situations can
result in an accident, so it’s best to
address these situations before we
enter our vehicles.

Here are three steps that will allow you to keep our eyes and minds
on the road for your own safety and for other fellow commuters:

1
PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
AND FIND A RESTING PLACE.
Take a few moments to close your
eyes, take a few deep breaths and
relax. If the emotional level is too
strong, take a short walk or get
yourself some water to regroup.
Just stay off the road until you have
settled down and are of rational
mind.

2

3

GIVE YOURSELF A LITTLE EXTRA
TIME BEFORE DEPARTING
Allow some time to gather your
thoughts before driving off. Once
you get most of your emotional
thoughts in check, you will feel
less rushed, hurried or generally
impatient with slower drivers or
other things around you. This should
stop you from speeding and putting
yourself in jeopardy of a speeding
ticket or even worse, a fatal accident.

LET SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE
I understand a situation like the one
above is reactionary and no one may
be around to help. But if you find
yourself in that predicament, it may be
wise to call a friend or family member
to help you through that situation and
allow you just to focus on your own
emotions.

These three steps should help you contain your emotions and always keep your eyes and thoughts on the road. TDM

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THE DRIVER