Return to roads still causing stress for drivers
New research on motorists’ top 10 stresses reveals the return to the roads is still causing concerns over driver and vehicle capabilities.
33% of respondents said they were stressed about actually getting used to busier roads again
Although IAM RoadSmart’s survey found the return to traffic jams came out top – it was cited by 42% of motorists – 33% of respondents said they were stressed about actually getting used to busier roads again.
Meanwhile, more than a quarter of motorists (27%) stated that the return of drivers who might be out of practice was a concern and 11% said they were worried they themselves might be out of practice, indicating a need for driver training.
The list of top 10 stresses also revealed that 12% were worried about there being nowhere to stop for a rest due to the pandemic. And 7% were concerned about if their car was still capable of longer journeys.
Other current top driving stresses include being able to get to the end location on time (24%). Drivers were also concerned about returning to long car journeys (15%) and commuting and fatigue while driving (both 11%).
The resarch has been published just days after stats from the Department for Transport revealed that road traffic in the UK returned to pre-pandemic levels during the last week of May 2021.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy & research, said: “All drivers should give due care and consideration to their fellow motorists now that more and more of us are once again getting behind the wheel.”
Full list of top driving stresses as traffic gets heavier – ranked most to least mentioned
| As traffic gets heavier now that restrictions have eased, what are some of the top stresses when driving? | |
| The return of traffic jams | 42% |
| Getting used to busier roads again | 33% |
| People returning to the road who might be out of practice | 27% |
| Stressing to get to your location on time | 24% |
| Returning to long car journeys to destinations | 15% |
| With places being closed, there is nowhere to stop for a rest | 12% |
| Commuting | 11% |
| My general fatigue while driving | 11% |
| Returning to the road when you are out of practice | 11% |
| Not knowing if your car is still capable of longer journeys | 7% |
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
