New Driver Disorder

Date: Thursday 17th November Ref: 60/05

Close to one in three (29 per cent) drivers found to suffer from newly recognised
disorder ‘Traffic Stress Syndrome’

Traffic jams are not only bad for your mood – they can also damage your health,
according to a new study from Direct Line.

‘The impact of traffic on drivers’ report – co-authored by health psychologist David
Moxon – identifies a new condition named Traffic Stress Syndrome (TSS), a form of
psychological anxiety that manifests itself in certain drivers while stuck in traffic.

According to the study, close to one in three drivers – nine million* UK motorists –
currently suffer from TSS and show symptoms of the condition after being held up in
traffic for as little as three to five minutes.

One in five (20 per cent) experience increased heart-rates and headaches (19 per
cent) and one in 10 endure sweaty palms (12 per cent). In more severe cases drivers
report nausea, dizziness (eight per cent) and stomach cramps (eight per cent) among
the symptoms experienced.

The impact of these symptoms along with the Direct Line research reveal a shocking
picture of the full extent of TSS on driver behaviour. Loss of concentration and
hazardous driving brought about by the condition, have resulted in over two
million** accidents for TSS drivers during or following traffic jams.


Other more common effects of the motoring condition include anxiety, irritation and
heightened levels of anger.

The research by Direct Line additionally identifies ...cont/