Can Stress Lead to a St. Louis Car Accident?

Stress can not only affect our health, mental state, and relationships it can also affect our driving.

Stress has, unfortunately, become part of modern life. Research shows that 33% of people in America feel like they are living with extreme stress. 77% of U.S. citizens regularly experience physical symptoms of stress while 73% of them suffer from psychological consequences.

Stress has a huge impact on our daily life, affecting our health, mental state, and relationships. But, not only that, stress can even affect our driving. Here’s how.

Driving Is a Complex Task

Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention, patience, and the ability to foresee potentially dangerous situations. You need to pay attention to the cars in front and behind you, traffic signs, road hazards, pedestrians, and so on. You need to anticipate other drivers’ actions and react promptly if they make a mistake. Not to mention, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and ensure they will reach their destination safe and sound.

Add stress into the equation, and this already complicated task becomes even harder. Stress affects your attention span and ability to focus, making you less likely to react in a timely manner. Moreover, stressed drivers are more likely to act on their impulses and behave recklessly, which can increase the chances of getting in a car crash.

Stress Affects Your Attention

One survey found that over 71% of drivers had lost concentration while driving in the past year because of stress. Most probably, it happened to you too. It’s easy to let your mind wander and look for a solution to whatever problem is bothering you at the moment. But, a distracted driver may not notice the debris on the road or the fact that the driver in front of them is about to hit the brakes. And, when attention span is shortened and you are no longer 100% focused on driving, that’s when accidents happen.

Stress Can Lead to Road Rage

Stress can not only affect your concentration level but your temper too. The more stressed you are, the more likely you are to let your emotions take charge and react hastily to stressful situations. Studies show that angry drivers are more likely to engage in reckless behavior, such as driving over the speed limit, tailgating, rapidly changing lanes, jumping red lights and so on.

More People Should Become Aware of the Dangers

Most people are aware of the dangers of distracted driving or driving under the influence. However, most don’t know that a stressful day at work can also increase their risks of getting in a collision. And, the problem is that while you can minimize distractions and get an Uber if you had a few beers, stress is part of our lives. Understanding the impact stress has on your driving abilities and recognizing the signs could make a significant difference.

Involved in a St. Louis Car Accident?

Stress isn’t an excuse for reckless behavior. If you’ve been in a car crash and were injured because of it, you may be entitled to compensation from the party at-fault. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you build your case and protect your rights. Give us a call today at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE consultation.