So says driver training provider TTC Group as part of today’s (4 November) Stress Awareness Day.

According to research, one in three UK drivers report feeling stressed behind the wheel leaving them prone to make irrational decisions and suffer road rage.

Although drivers who suffer stress are more likely to be in a road crash, TTC Group says there are ways to cope with pressure and reduce the chances of having a collision.

The daily commute, traffic jams, being late for an appointment along with being exasperated at the bad driving of others all pile on the anxiety and make driver decisions rushed while business drivers who think about their next meeting are also at risk of a deterioration in their motoring standards.

Instead, motorists should re-focus their mind back onto the road once it wanders to work and family events, says the group’s Adrian Hide.

He explained: “You have to leave work stress outside of the car once you shut the door and fasten the seat belt.”

“Be the better driver, turn off that mobile phone, maintain a good distance away from the vehicles in front and behind to give you a protective safety bubble to avoid hazards and leave early to give yourself more time. 

“Use safety and smoothness as your measuring stick and you will, over time, become safer and less stressed while driving.”