Mind on the Road: How Mental Health Affects Driving
- Jaylen Rambarran
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
The experience of psychological or emotional distress behind the wheel can cause drivers to engage in unsafe behaviors. For example, anxiety and depression can impair concentration and decision-making, which can result in slower reaction times and an increased risk of collision. Difficulty regulating emotions, which is a symptom of many mental health conditions, can make it harder for drivers to deal with minor irritations or stressors that arise while driving. Stressed, angry drivers tend to accelerate and brake more frequently than others, which can result in harsh acceleration and harsh braking, both dangerous maneuvers.
“Drivers experiencing strong emotional agitation (sadness, anger, etc.) are 9.8 times more likely to be involved in a crash.”
Anything that interferes with cognitive ability, including mental health conditions, can impact your ability to drive safely and can risk the safety of others, too. A mental health condition doesn’t mean you can’t be a safe and responsible driver. Mental health struggles are incredibly common, with an estimated 23% of U.S. adults having experienced some form of mental illness. Plenty of people live with mental illness and still drive safely every day. What matters most is how you manage your condition and whether you’re in a fit state to drive. Mental clarity and focus are key to staying safe behind the wheel.
There are a few techniques that drivers can use to deal with mental health struggles and lessen their impact while behind the wheel:
1) Breathe
Breathing exercises are a great way to calm down and get your mind and body focused. Taking deep breaths can help calm your nervous system, ease anxiety, and bring your focus back to the present moment.
2) Check-In
Check in with yourself before you start driving to understand how you are feeling and whether you think you are in a state of mind in which you can devote all your attention to driving.
3) Coping Strategies
Come up with a few simple strategies that help you stay calm and focused. What works can be different for everyone, but some options could include listening to calming music or a familiar playlist, repeating a grounding phrase or affirmation, or focusing on what you can see, hear, or feel in the moment.
While there are ways to manage your mental health while driving, there are also times when it’s safer not to drive at all. Consider holding off on driving if you’re experiencing any of the following:
You’re stuck in a loop of repetitive thoughts. When your mind is spinning or you can’t focus on anything else, it can distract you from the road and delay your reaction time.
You’re feeling the physical effects of emotional distress. This might include a racing heart, shortness of breath, shaking, or a tight chest, all of which can affect your control while driving.
Your emotions are too intense to manage. Whether you’re overwhelmed, angry, or emotionally reactive, that kind of emotional elevation can cloud your judgment and make it harder to respond calmly in traffic.
Remember, making the call not to drive in the moment is a responsible decision, not a failure. Prioritizing your mental state helps keep you and others safe on the road.
Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. Just like physical health, it needs attention, care, and support, especially when it comes to staying safe behind the wheel. While short-term strategies like taking deep breaths or pulling over for a break can help in the moment, long-term safety depends on prioritizing your mental well-being overall. That means checking in with yourself regularly, building healthy coping habits, and seeking support when you need it. Taking care of your mental health isn’t just good for you – it helps keep everyone on the road safer too.
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