Driving while Stressed-A form of Distracted Driving. Ocala Accident Attorney Explains

Getting ready for the start of a new school year or Labor Day weekend vacation plans, on top of everything else going on in your life, can be stressful. Keep in mind, stress, no matter the source, can lead to distressed driving, a form of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  As an Ocala and Gainesville accident attorney, I am passing on this latest information in order to help keep you safe on the road during times of stress.

Stress impairs the body's cognitive functions, leading to distressed driving.  Acute or chronic stress can lead to an outpouring of adrenaline, cortisol, and other neurotransmitters in the body, causing health effects and disease, including:

• elevated blood pressure,
• diminished focus,
• personality changes,
• irritability or anxiety,
• headaches,
• sleep deprivation,
• asthma,
• heart problems, and
• impaired immune system.

The NHTSA recently pinpointed stress, or driving under the influence of emotions, as a cause of distracted driving.  Distressed driving impairs cognitive functions that may affect driving ability.  According to recent reports, as many as 80% of crashes may involve distracted driving.

While distressed driving is not punishable under the law, it may have severe public safety consequences.  The bottom line: distracted driving may increase the risk of a crash.  Plus, it's not that much of a stretch to correlate distressed driving with road rage, falling asleep at the wheel, drowsy driving, aggressive driving, or other forms of distracted driving.  So, watch out, stress may be to blame for traffic crashes.

For more information:

How can I avoid distressed driving?

Increased Health Risks in Heavy Traffic Conditions

Take a Breath and Relax

Aggressive Driving Identification

Common Driving Distractions and Comparative Negligence