2.1: EMOTIONS AFFECT YOUR DRIVING ABILITY

When you’re behind the wheel it’s not just driving skill that matters, it’s your ability to think clearly and make sound, responsible driving decisions.

How Do Emotions Affect Your Driving?
Strong emotions can affect the way you see and think and can distract you from driving correctly. Having joy, sadness, anger, and fear may make you pay less attention to what is going on around you. You may miss important road and traffic information causing you to make unsafe driving decisions. 

Inattention
Whatever the cause of the emotion it can interfere with your driving by taking your attention away from the road. You may be so preoccupied that you drive dangerously without even realizing what you’re doing.

Lack of Concentration
If you can’t concentrate this is not a good state of mind to be in when you’re driving, thus you should let someone else drive or wait until you’re better able to focus on the driving task.

Ability to Process Information
Safe driving is a full time job for your mind as well as for your body. The decisions you make can mean the difference between safe driving and dangerous driving. You not only have to see and hear the signs and signals of the roadway, you also have to use good judgment based on the information you gather. 

How Can You Control Your Emotions?
You can take steps to avoid problems relating to your emotional state by learning how to calm yourself down. You can learn to control your emotions when you have to.

Maintain a Mature Attitude
You exhibit a mature attitude when you show respect for order and safety and take responsibility for your actions putting aside strong emotions while you drive. Always be courteous to other drivers.

Identify Troublesome Situations
Identify situations that may upset you and deal with them in a mature way anticipating traffic situations that irritate you.

Plan Ahead
Advance planning can reduce stress and avoid problems. Always allow enough time to get where you are going, particularly if traveling in heavy traffic or bad weather.

Expect Mistakes from Others
Never assume that other drivers will drive safely or obey all the rules. Drivers may be distracted, inexperienced, or even intoxicated. Accept the fact that everyone makes mistakes at one time or another.

Don’t Drive When Upset or Depressed
If you are angry or have other strong emotions, think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car. It’s better to wait until your feelings settle down and you can concentrate better.

Train Yourself Always to Use Correct Procedures
Get into the habit of using safe driving procedures such procedures should be automatic no matter what your emotional state may be.