Traffic stress is a reality that all fleet drivers deal with on a daily basis. After all, driving on roads and streets during business hours is a task that may not be so simple.
Dealing with countless factors and daily events that completely out of control and the drivers' routine leads to mood swings and irritability, causing stress and resulting in situations such as reduced focus, increased impulsiveness, and a greater risk of accidents.
Read more: Distracted driving in the fleet: causes, consequences and prevention measures
Therefore, have a culture of mental health care in the fleet is extremely important for the smooth running of the operation, seeking to operate responsibly and consciously.
We separate a material with essential tips and teachings to reduce stress of being behind the wheel all the time. Check out some recommendations – both for managers and road professionals.
What are the factors that can cause stress in traffic?
How can stress affect traffic?
Practical guide for drivers: how to relieve stress while driving
What is the role of managers in the emotional health of fleet drivers?
When is it necessary to seek professional help for stress?
A healthy fleet starts with the well-being of those who drive it
What are the factors that can cause stress in traffic?
The most common factors faced by fleet drivers on the road are often related to reasons that are often are beyond the control of fleet management itself. However, having a aligned and conscious management of the possible risks and problems that drivers have to deal with on a daily basis can be the key piece to minimize this problem.
Heavy traffic and congestion – very common in both large urban centers and smaller cities, make driving work exhausting. This scenario directly impacts the driver's emotional state, generating impatience, mood swings and a feeling of frustration, especially when there are no viable route alternatives.
Furthermore, the pressure for tight deadlines for deliveries and arrivals is one of the factors that most contributes to stress behind the wheel. The constant pressure to meet deadlines can be overwhelming. the driver's psychology, who needs to balance agility with safety, even in adverse conditions.
Another element that worsens this situation is the poor road conditions: holes, lack of signage, inadequate lighting and poor road maintenance require extra attention, increase physical and mental wear and tear and increase the risk of incidents.
Read more: Fleet Incident Management: 6 Best Practices to Prevent and Resolve Problems
All of these factors combined create an environment conducive to ongoing stress.. Understanding these triggers is the first step in finding strategies that improve the driver's quality of life and operational safety. And it is these solutions that we will talk about in the next topic.
Read more: Workers' Month: motivation and quality of life for drivers
How can stress affect traffic?
Traffic stress can be extremely harmful – both for the good and for the bad. operation of the logistics operation, as for the traffic safety in general.
Read more: Yellow May: ensure traffic safety and preserve lives in your fleet
With their psychological state affected by adverse situations, fleet drivers end up having their focus and his altered reflexes, which may result in out of control, steering failures, and greater response time for any situation that requires a quick decision.
Stress increases irritability, making it possible to increase impulsive attitudes e aggressive, making driving an immensely dangerous task. These attitudes put at risk not only the physical integrity of the driver, but also the safety of everyone around them.
Furthermore, when a fleet vehicle is involved in a risky situation due to the driver's behavior, the company itself is also impacted, either by materials damage, losses à image of the brand or the need to deal with preventable incidents.
Therefore, understanding the effects of stress on driving is essential to promote preventive actions and strengthen the culture of safety in corporate transport.
Read more: Fleet safety culture: learn how to implement it and start now
Practical guide for drivers: how to relieve stress while driving
Dealing with traffic on a daily basis is part of the routine of fleet drivers. However, there are simple and effective strategies that help reduce the impacts of stress during the journey.
Below, we have put together a set of practices that can be applied on a daily basis to promote greater health, safety and well-being behind the wheel.
Practice conscious breathing
Deep breathing techniques help control anxiety and stay calm in tense moments. A quick and efficient practice is diaphragmatic breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeating this cycle a few times can relieve tension immediately.
Plan your route and schedule in advance
Avoiding unexpected events is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. Before you set off on your journey, check the route and assess road conditions and, if possible, choose times with less vehicle flow. Tools such as the Golfleet system can help with this planning, optimizing wheels and controlling operating hours.
Respect breaks and rest outside the vehicle
Driving for hours at a time impairs focus and puts a strain on the body. Take regular breaks Stretching, walking, drinking water or simply breathing fresh air is essential to renew your energy and maintain a good mood throughout the day.
Read more: The importance of a good night's sleep for a driver's health
Take care of your diet and stay hydrated
One of the light and balanced diet contributes to physical and mental well-being. Avoid heavy meals before or during your journey. In addition, staying hydrated helps improve concentration and prevents symptoms of fatigue.
Read more: Technology to prevent driver fatigue
Adjust your posture correctly
Physical comfort directly impacts mental stress. Adjust the seat, backrest and mirrors to ensure good posture. Wear comfortable shoes and, if possible, keep the interior of the vehicle clean and ventilated. Small details make a big difference in the long run.
Keep your mind active with positive content
During long commutes, listening to podcasts, calming music or educational content can help you stay focused and reduce traffic irritation. Avoid negative news or sounds that provoke tension.
Encourage work-life balance
Whenever possible, Take advantage of your time off the road to do activities that provide pleasure and relaxation: being with family, doing physical activities or simply resting. A balanced mind better faces the challenges of traffic.
Adopting these and other practices can transform the driving experience, making it safer, healthier and more productive. It is also up to managers to encourage these habits in the fleet's day-to-day activities, creating a culture that values the well-being of drivers.
What is the role of managers in the emotional health of fleet drivers?
While stress on the road often seems unavoidable, fleet managers have a fundamental role in creating a healthier and more balanced working environment for drivers.
This starts with a organizational culture that values driver well-being, go beyond productivity and consider human aspects of the operation.
Read more: Fleet productivity: valuable tips to increase operational efficiency
Promote regular breaks, to respect os legal limits of journey and listen actively the reports of the conductors These are measures that can make a big difference in everyday life.
Additionally, training and conversations about mental health and emotional safety should be incorporated into the team’s routine. Showing that the company cares about the driver’s psychological state helps to build trust and engagement, in addition to reducing the number of risky behaviors on the road.
Read more: Driver's mental health: the importance of taking care of those who drive your fleet
When is it necessary to seek professional help for stress?
Although many practices help with stress control, it is It is important to be aware of signs that the problem is beyond individual control.. Sudden changes in behavior, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, constant tiredness and excessive irritability may indicate anxiety and depression.
In these cases, it is ideal for the driver to have access to psychological support. Companies that offer professional support, agreements or partnerships with specialized clinics demonstrate a commitment to the comprehensive health of their employees and, as a consequence, also strengthen the safety of the operation.
Attentive managers, who closely monitor team performance, are able to identify early signs and act before the problem gets worse.
A healthy fleet starts with the well-being of those who drive it
Ensure safety and efficiency The management of a fleet goes beyond vehicle maintenance or meeting deadlines. The emotional health of drivers is an essential component of the operation, and stress, if not managed correctly, can compromise the performance of all employees involved.
Therefore, promoting a culture of care and safety, to offer practical guidelines e monitor the drivers' routine is an investment which brings return in productivity, safety and company image.
With the support of golfleet system, managers can have a complete view of each driver's journey, identify risk behaviors, control excessive journeys and plan smarter routes.
This operational intelligence allows you to act proactively, anticipating problems and creating more favorable conditions for a less stressful day-to-day driving experience.
After all, Taking care of the driver's well-being means taking care of the fleet as a whole, and that starts with making smart, data-driven decisions.
And you, manager? Are you ready to transform your team's routine? with more safety, balance and efficiency? talk to a expert Golfleet and discover the power of truly proactive management.
