Tips to Take the Stress out of Traveling

Beating Stress While Driving

A sign at my old terminal gate reminded me every day,”You Are Now Entering the Deadliest Place in America- The National Highway System” . A sobering reminder considering 99% of my job required being out on those highways. Being a commercial truck driver for many years, I have been witness to the rapid growth of traffic over the years. Truck traffic alone has doubled since 1995 when I started out.

These days we live in a service oriented, “commuter” society. Many persons jobs require them to commute not just to and from work, but during the day as part of their jobs. Combined with urban sprawl, many parts of the country are seeing traffic jams even in remote rural areas, that were unheard of years ago. This is particularly true of the south and around my area of north west Atlanta.

Traffic density and slow volumes are the primary cause of stress amongst motorists, which is no secret. But the most dangerous part comes as your clearing the jam and everyone “floors it” trying to make up for lost time. The first step for easing driving stress is giving yourself plenty of time. It never ceases to amaze me the backups in in Atlanta mid-morning. Any one who’s lived here more than a month knows how early you need to leave to make it downtown on time.

Everyone should already know the basics, seat belt, no distractions, no cell phone, or food while driving. But did you know that deep stressful thought can be just as distracting as screaming kids? dwelling on problems at work or home will divert your attention and increase the odds of an accident. I is called “driving angry” and it is just now starting to be addressed in the trucking industry. To avoid this condition, it is essential to focus on your breathing, deeply and fully. Count down aloud, with each out breath, from the numbers nine to one. Don’t “force” the breath, just as deep as you can naturally. Try this before moving the vehicle in the morning, to clear your head, and ease the stress.

Traffic will only grow from here. Commercial trucks are expected to double in volume yet again by 2015, not to mention a more affluent population and far more car owners. Remember that a record number of baby boomers a set to retire over the coming years. With retirement usually comes travel. RV’s or motor-homes will also double in volume in the coming years. These vehicles, while very large, require no special license to operate. Any one can drive an RV, and many shouldn’t. Unlike commercial trucks which require special training and licenses, motor homes only require a drivers license. When sharing the road with large vehicles just make sure to give a lot of room and get around quickly. Do not run along side these vehicles since this is their “blind spot” and it will be just like asking for a wreck.

Get in the habit of slowing down more than speeding up, though most people don’t realize this, as drivers we tend to adjust with the flow of traffic. These “traffic waves” move like waves in water, maybe a few dozen vehicles running together. Try to avoid this, moving at excessively higher rates of speed will increase your blood pressure and anxiety. Remain aware of your driving and what is going on around you. Check your mirrors but don’t stare into them. If you see a “grill” looming large behind you, just pull right and slow down as much as is necessary to encourage them to pass. Never let traffic “push” you.

Take a few seconds and stretch your fingers straight out with your hands still on the wheel. Are your fingers shaking? Then it is time to take a break, just pull off and stretch your legs. Sit upright in the seat with both hands firmly on the wheel and watch your breathing. A hunched over posture with shallow breathing increases stress and reduces blood flow to the head.

When entering high traffic volume or a “jam” just pick a lane and stay there. I’ve seen them thousands of times in the truck, the drivers darting back and forth, lane to lane, only to be just a few car lengths ahead coming out. Not matter how appealing that fast moving lane may look now, it will stop eventually, then the one you were just in will start to move. I think we’ve all experienced that. Remember that excessive lane movements increase stress and the odds of an accident.

Never “cut in” in a construction zone, wait to merge. We all have some place to be, and we all have to wait our turn. Is cutting someone off really worth the risk these days? Though you may not have a violent nature, what about the person you just cut off, is it really worth the risk or stress? Just take it easy, and you’ll get there. And get there alive.

Have a safe ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

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