Physical Effects of Stress on Driving
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Stress from driving in heavy traffic is not only common, it’s ubiquitous. The problem is that stress can cause adrenaline release into the bloodstream and potentially impair a driver without their knowledge. Adrenaline flooding can impair fine motor skills, peripheral vision, cognitive thinking, and more.
Even the Canadian Mental Health Association identifies stress as a personal response to situations that, when the response is negative, can affect the normal function of an individual. Stress that is not dealt with will have long term negative effects if it remains unidentified or unattended to.
Further, a study performed by BOMEL Ltd for the Department of Transport of the United Kingdom shows that an increase of work stress caused from fatigue and excessive work pressure carries into the driver commute which results in more traffic accidents.
Although stress can have detrimental effects on any individual, it is possible to manage and reduce stress in daily activities such as driving. There are many tools available to help a person first, identify situations that cause them stress and second, use specific techniques to mitigate the stress response, thereby reducing the overall effects of stress.
There are various online training associations that help you save your time and money by choosing a flexible defensive course online. Unlike classes which you need to attend during a specific time of the day, an online class can be done anytime and from anywhere. Moreover, you can enjoy the freedom of applying to a school without the concern of travelling a large distance.
In recent years several business employers who recruit drivers for commercial vehicles now need employees who have undergone defensive driving course. Defensive driving generally refers to a set of techniques that a driver utilizes to ensure his own safety and to some degree the safety of others on the road.
The employees often have to take an online course at the employer’s expense so that the company is assured of the employees driving skills. This helps avoid time off for employees with accident related injuries and loss of expensive vehicles. A defensive driving online course helps drivers to be more confident on the road and minimizes the chances of injuries due to accidents.
The Canadian Online Safety Training Association (COSTA), in partnership with Medea & Associates, now offers a course on the effects of stress on driving online and defensive driving online training. This course presents the risks and effects of driving while stressed and includes a tool for individuals to identify stress factors within themselves and manage stress while on the road. Think about the impact proper training can have on reducing risks of accidents while driving.
Matthew Albertson is author of this article. To learn more about defensive driving online course and TDG Course, please visit this link winter driver safety course.
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