Keeping calm during Stress Awareness Week

International Stress Awareness Week takes place from 3 to 7 November, with National Stress Awareness Day on Wednesday 5 November, 2025. These events encourage people to think about the effects of stress - both physical and mental - and consider how we can manage these to feel better about ourselves.

From running late to being tailgated or stuck in standstill traffic on a daily commute, we all know driving can sometimes be stressful, no matter how experienced you are. But how can you take care of yourself and enjoy a calmer, more relaxed experience while on the road?

Why is driving so stressful?

We’ve all got places to be and being held up can cause issues when we’re behind the wheel. Whether it’s unexpected delays or traffic congestion, the lack of control over external issues can cause a great deal of stress to drivers.

Throw in other vehicles being driven aggressively while they ignore the basics of the Highway Code and you can understand why some people get stressed, fatigued, anxious or angry while they drive.

What is classed as road rage?

Road rage is far more than being angry behind the wheel. It can sometimes evolve into irrational and dangerous driving that puts both yourself and other road users at risk.

Reasons for getting stressed behind the wheel include:

• Tailgating.
• Feeling rushed.
• A perceived lack of courtesy.
• High stress levels before getting into the car.
• Middle-lane drivers.
• Sudden dangers.
• Getting lost.
• Adverse weather conditions.
• Other drivers taking unnecessary risks - speeding, running red lights etc.
• Cyclists.
• Being cut in front of.

This stress and anger can lead to loss in concentration, dangerous reactions and generally more reckless behaviour.

How do I cure road rage?

It’s natural to feel emotional and lose your temper sometimes, but it’s important to keep calm while driving. There are ways of keeping your stress levels down, including:

• Share the drive - One way to calm down is to take yourself away from the stress of handling the wheel. Take out temporary car insurance to cover a friend and choose who will drive at peak times.
• Drive in a more defensive manner - Focus on your actions, not other drivers. Back off from any drivers that are causing you strife and focus on making positive changes.
• Find a calmer peace of mind - Accept that you can’t change anything out of your control, but you can alter your reaction. Practise breathing techniques both before and during a stressful moment.
• Plan journeys in advance - Hate driving in traffic? Look into alternative routes or leave that bit earlier to avoid the peak times.
• Take plenty of breaks - If it’s all getting too much, pull over when it is safe to do so and take some time to yourself. Gather your thoughts and head back on the road only when you are settled and confident to do so.

What should I do if I see road rage occur?

The most important thing to do is stay safe. If it’s not directly affecting you, you can stay away. If you see something that could potentially be dangerous, you could call the police once and report what you have seen, once it is safe to do so.

Amaxophobia - What is it and how does it affect drivers?

People who struggle with anxiety may find the idea of driving very scary and unpleasant, even if they have passed their tests with flying colours. A previous accident may also have an effect on someone’s ability to drive.

Calm.com lists the following as the main causes for a fear of driving:

• Past accidents.
• Fear of accidents or fatalities.
• Driving alone to unfamiliar places.
• Fear of losing control.
• Vision issues.
• Mental health conditions or phobias.

Sometimes this fear or driving anxiety can lead to Amaxophobia, a condition that can lead to total avoidance of driving. The Daily Mail describes this as ‘when passengers or drivers persistently feel a sense of overwhelming fear when travelling in a motor’. It can be so extreme that in some cases, even looking at a vehicle can cause them to panic.

Practising meditation, attending therapy sessions and taking confidence-boosting lessons with a driving instructor are all recommended techniques for helping to deal with this issue.

If you’re diagnosed with anxiety and it affects your ability to drive safely, gov.uk states you must tell the DVLA. Check with your doctor if you’re unsure if your condition affects driving.

• You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about anxiety that affects your ability to drive safely. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

Dealing with driving stress

We all deal with the stresses of modern life and it’s important to ensure something as dangerous as driving does not add to this. Remember, nothing is personal and soon that aggressive driver will be out of your way.

Rethink how you drive when you are flustered and identify your frustrations over the course of this International Stress Awareness Week.

Sources

https://www.confused.com/compare-car-insurance/temporary/staying-calm-on-bank-holiday-drives

https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/road-rage

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/scared-of-driving/

https://www.gov.uk/anxiety-and-driving

https://www.calm.com/blog/driving-anxiety

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-12365759/How-FINALLY-conquered-fear-driving-five-step-guide-overcoming-amaxophobia.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0m0fqy7

https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/national-stress-awareness-day/