Anxiety is a mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The NHS describes anxiety as “a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe” and it can have a significant impact on many aspects of a person’s life including when it comes to driving.
Anxiety can affect individuals in different ways, and at one point or another we will all experience feelings of being anxious. However, in some, it can be severe, and the individual may be unable to control their anxiety leaving them symptoms such as restlessness, having trouble concentrating, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and heart palpitations as well as panic attacks, behaviour changes, and fatigue. This combination of symptoms can affect an individual’s ability to do many daily tasks, including drive safely. In fact, according to a recent study by Aviva, more than 5,000 motorists reported anxiety to the DVLA in 2022, with 75% admitting to “bad behaviours” while driving.
How anxiety can affect road users
“The research also finds driving anxiety is much more common among younger drivers, with 62% of those aged under 25 feeling worried behind the wheel,” reports Aviva who go on to share that “three quarters of drivers questioned also admitted to occasional bad behaviour behind the wheel. People were most likely to confess to speeding (34%). Swearing at other motorists (31%), making rude gestures (21%) and fiddling with in-car tech (18%) also feature on the list.”
So, what about people who drive for a living?
Fleet managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of their drivers and minimising risks on the road associated with anxiety and ADHD. There are several ways fleet managers can support their drivers with mental health issues including:
Raising awareness around mental health
Fleet managers can talk to their team about mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD. By talking about mental health openly and creating a supportive environment, fleet managers can encourage drivers to seek help and talk about any problems or issues they might be having without fear of judgment.
Being a company that recognises and talks about anxiety
Recognising that anxiety and ADHD can affect an individual’s ability to perform certain tasks at work, fleet managers can support their drivers by allowing flexible schedules where possible and help drivers by making changes such as assigning routes that minimize high-traffic or stressful areas.
Supportive policies in the workplace
Putting policies in place that prioritise mental well-being can help cultivate a culture of support within the fleet. Many professional drivers notoriously find it difficult to talk about mental health so being open the subject and letting people know they can get support at work could really help those struggling with anxiety. Organisations could offer access to mental health resources, counselling services, and promoting a healthy work-life balance to reduce stress levels.
Discussing how to manage anxiety
Offering education and training that helps with anxiety management and offers coping techniques can be useful to those who experience anxiety. Education around mental health can equip drivers with strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and effective stress management strategies to handle symptoms of anxiety they may experience.
Anxiety can affect people in different ways, and it’s important to talk about it if you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of anxiety. It can affect many areas of a person’s life, including their ability to be a safe driver.
