Emotional driving poses a significant risk. Getting behind the wheel while being angry or in the throes of other emotions can harm you and others. If you have been injured because of an at-fault driver’s upset mood, file a claim, as you are still eligible for compensation. Let’s understand what emotional driving entails and how it can be avoided.

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What’s emotional driving?

Humans are undoubtedly emotional creatures; our emotions define our mental state and behavior. Emotional driving refers to the phenomenon when a driver operates a vehicle while experiencing extreme emotions—sadness, anger, despair, anxiety, or excitement. It clouds the driver’s judgment and makes them unable to react or respond to dangerous situations on the road. The underlying feelings and emotions influence your focus, decisions, and behavior while driving. Research has shown that operating a vehicle in an emotional state is far more dangerous compared to driving while being tired. Emotions may seem manageable, but overactive thoughts attached to them can be more distracting than using a mobile phone.

Intense Emotions One Must Be Cautious About While Driving

Excitement about a certain positive event can affect you as much as the opposing negative feelings.

Intense Emotions to Watch For:

• Anger or feelings of rage
• Sadness, anxiety, and grief
• Panic or fear
• Feelings of stress over something
• Wanting to shout or lash out
• Thoughts of suicide
• Overactive thoughts or crying

Common Triggers for Emotional Driving:

Following mishaps can trigger extreme emotions when one goes through something upsetting or exciting.

• Going through a harsh and long-term breakup with your boyfriend, spouse, family, or friend
• Heated arguments with your family or friends
• Having a difficult day at work (getting fired or not getting promoted)
• Being stuck in traffic in sizzling, humid weather
• Receiving notification that a loved one has passed away
• Getting hit by a reckless driver and following up with a rash or injury
• Receiving exciting news, like having a baby or getting a long-awaited promotion
• Running late for work or an appointment

Call a cab or ask someone else to assist you while driving when experiencing such unforeseen events.

Dangers of Emotional Driving

Emotional driving increases the risk of accidents. If an individual is driving while being extremely emotional about something, they may not focus on other drivers’ honks, traffic signals, and pedestrians. They might speed, take a wrong turn, tailgate, and change lanes just to get by. They are in a certain mental state where taking road risks, not following rules, not paying attention, or speeding unnecessarily seems satisfactory, as they are influenced by high adrenaline. This leads to poor decision-making, impaired judgment, and slowed reaction times while handling the gear and wheel. Driving requires full attention; lack of focus can cause near-misses or severe accidents resulting in fatal injuries and even death.

How to Avoid Emotional Driving:

Handling the steering wheel can seem overwhelming when you are under the influence of emotions; it can be a bad idea. Awareness of your emotional state and your surroundings is crucial in preventing this.

Keep an eye out for the following indicators to identify emotional driving:

• Gripping the steering wheel with excessive force
• Fighting or shouting at other drivers on the road
• Driving noticeably faster and exceeding normal speed limits
• Feeling your heart race, sobbing, or crying
• Experiencing breathing problems or shaking hands
• Unable to concentrate on the road
• Making frequent lane changes