Leisureshopdirect Caravan Blog

Caravan & motorhome blog

Any mood will impact driving ability, says IAM

Posted by Linda Davidson


Mood has a huge influence on people's ability to drive, motorists, including those with Waeco caravan fridges, have been told.


According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), mood changes the way motorists conduct themselves on the road as much of driving is about making subjective judgements.


"So if you're angry, you will make erratic judgements, if you're happy, you make optimistic ones," explained Peter Rodger, chief examiner of the IAM.


"Any state of mind will influence how well, or how badly, you drive. So if you're in a very extreme emotional state, taking a few minutes out to settle down is a good idea," he advised.


His comments follow a new study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) which suggests that young drivers who experience anxiety and depression are more likely to take risks on the road.


Mr Rodger added that learning to drive does not finish once a motorist has passed their test and all drivers should consider further training.