Stress can significantly impair both situational awareness and reaction times, especially in demanding tasks like driving.
MORE THAN 776,000 people are stressed due to work, according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data, with public administration, defence, compulsory social security, education, human health and social workers reporting significantly higher rates than the average for all industries.
This could put added pressure on the road this winter, experts warn, with many of the physical and emotional effects of stress leading to higher risks of incidents that could lead to road traffic accidents.
Frontline service worker car discount provider, Motorfinity, specialist charity, PTSD999, and workplace wellbeing psychologist Dr Ravi Gill share their tips and advice for how to make each journey safer, even after a high-stakes shift.
How stress impacts a motorist’s ability to drive
Dr Ravi Gill,said: “Stress affects the mind and body through a “fight-or-flight” response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol; which help to prepare the body for a threat.
“There are multiple research studies that identity how stress can significantly impair both situational awareness and reaction times, especially in demanding tasks like driving. For example, these heightened stress hormones can slow cognitive processing and motor responses, increasing the likelihood of delayed reactions, all of which raise the risk of errors behind the wheel. When stressed, the brain often shifts into a “survival mode,” narrowing attention and reducing the ability to process peripheral information. This tunnel vision can make it harder to notice hazards, interpret changing road conditions, or anticipate other drivers’ actions.”
Charlotte Crabb, marketing and partnerships manager at Motorfinity said: “This risk could be amplified, particularly for the many frontline service workers that typically suffer from higher-than-average rates of work-related stress. The additional demands of colder temperatures, seasonal illness and large-scale social gatherings all create very challenging environments.
“Beyond seasonal stress, external factors such as increasing concern over the use of LED headlamps during darker nights could also intensify dangerous driving conditions this winter, making the need for cognitive clarity even more clear.”
How stress affects frontline service workers specifically
Dr Ravi Gill explained that there’s a markedly different effect between experiencing stress consistently, even over the course of a week, compared to very occasional stress.
She said: “Many people underestimate the impact of subtle, ongoing stressors in their daily lives, such as disrupted sleep or uncertainty, which can all significantly elevate stress levels, even if they don’t feel overwhelming in the moment.
“This mirrors the experience of emergency service workers, who routinely operate in unpredictable, high-pressure environments that demand emotional control and rapid decision-making. Over time, such conditions can lead to heightened stress reactivity, reduced resilience, and an increased risk of burnout and cumulative stress, sometimes without individuals realising its impact until it affects mood, performance, or health.
“Cultural factors within emergency services, such as a strong emphasis on resilience and performance, can mean stress is internalised rather than expressed. This can then end up increasing risks of burnout, compassion fatigue, and longer-term mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.”
Gary Hayes, CEO and co-founder of PTSD999 highlighted the numerous stress factors that emergency service providers face on a regular basis that could lead to culminative stress, such as lack of resources, challenging tasks, heavy workloads and unsociable shift patterns. This, compounded by the very real possibility of experiencing a single traumatic event at work – or continuous exposure to trauma – could increase the risk of developing PTSD.
Gary said: “These individuals may seem disinterested as they try to block out painful memories. It can often have negative effects on someone trying to lead a normal life as it causes sleep deprivation and concentration.”
Why motorists need to keep stress levels at bay
When looking at data on the most common causes for car accidents in Great Britain, the risks of being stressed when driving become clear. According to insurance expert Nimble Fins, these include, in order:
- Driver or rider failed to look properly
- Driver or rider was careless, reckless or in a hurry
- Driver or rider failed to judge a person’s path or speed
- Loss of control
- Poor turn or manoeuvre
Dr Ravi Gill adds: “Stress can influence and heighten our emotional reactivity and reduce impulse control, which may lead to riskier driving behaviours such as speeding, tailgating, or making abrupt lane changes. This happens because stress can shift the brain toward more instinctive and less considered decision-making, increasing the likelihood of impulsive or aggressive actions behind the wheel.
“Seasonal changes themselves can act as stress triggers too. As daylight hours shorten, in autumn and winter months many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure, which can lower our mood and energy levels. Additionally, the approach of holidays, financial pressures, and increased social demands can heighten both acute and chronic stress during this time of year.”
How can I de-stress before my drive home?
Dr Ravi Gill explains: “There are several evidence-based strategies that people can use to transition safely from a stressful shift and into a safer headspace before the drive home.
“These include:
- Decompressing: Before setting off, take a few moments in the car to do some deep breathing, stretching or to complete a mindfulness exercise, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Doing so will reduce adrenaline and in turn, lower physical arousal.
- Creating a ‘mental reset’ ritual: Form a routine that signals a shift in focus away from work-related stress. This could be putting on a particular music playlist, changing clothes or keeping a diary to note down any lingering thoughts before setting off on your journey.
- Being self-aware: If you know you’re tired or distracted, go for a short walk or delay the journey if you can, until you’re more alert. In this case, avoid rushing and stick to familiar routes too, to reduce the cognitive load.”
Charlotte Crabb, adds: “It’s hard to avoid stress, particularly in high-pressure roles such as the armed forces, healthcare or education, and it’s concerning to see how it can affect many other day-to-day activities, such as driving. In our roles, we’re always speaking to these people and take pride in supporting the thousands of workers who help to keep our country running safely. We hope these tips can help anyone who may be feeling any extra strain this year, and for those who are really struggling, there are lots of organisations – such as our partner charity PTSD999 – who are here to help.”
Motorfinity is a specialist car discount provider for the UK’s current and retired frontline service workers including NHS, police, fire, armed forces, teachers and more.
For more information, please contact Cartwright Communications on motorfinity@cartwrightagency.com or 0115 853 2110.
