Drivers dicing with danger due to everyday stress

MANY of Britain’s drivers are compromising their safety and that of other road users by taking a drive to clear their heads from stressful situations, according to new research.

Car insurance specialist Admiral found that 44% of the 3,000 drivers they quizzed admitted they go out for a drive to clear their head and try and make themselves feel less stressed. However, worryingly, 37% confess to driving more erratically whenever they’re stressed about something and 45% concede they are more likely to lose concentration behind the wheel when they are in this state.  56% knowingly get behind the wheel when stressed about something in their everyday life, and the same percentage admitted this can cause them to feel road rage when behind the wheel.  Admiral's survey also showed how stress manifests itself in people's driving with 23% admitting they drive more aggressively, and 12% admitting they drive faster. 6% said driving when stressed makes them go slower – which in some cases can be equally as dangerous.

Admiral enlisted the help of Health Psychologist, David Moxon, to find out how to deal with everyday stress. He thinks that it's all about attitude and control:- “It’s a good idea to start to understand your own stress. Think about what triggers make you anxious and stressed. Often when people feel this way they start to convince themselves there is nothing they can do to change the situation. This actually couldn’t be further from the truth.  Managing stress is all about taking control – being in control of your emotions, thoughts and behaviours.”

In the short term David advises:-

* Clench your muscles, hold them tight for 10 seconds then release them. Use this technique with your hands, feet and shoulders.

* Make an effort to consciously slow down your general pace of walking and talking.

* Make time to go for frequent walks – even if it’s only for a few minutes in the open air.

* Make sure you drink plenty of water – this is particularly important when you are on a journey.

* We are social animals and social support is vital for healthy mental well-being – so make sure you share your worries with someone close and tell them why you are feeling stressed.

* Regularly relax in a long hot bath.

* Work in your garden, listen to music, and watch comedies you enjoy – laughter really is one of the most effective stress-busting techniques.

With so many people getting behind the wheel when stressed, Admiral has created the De-stress Podcast to provide general tips and techniques to help them deal with stress and to offer some longer-term advice. You can download the Podcast by visiting admiral.com/stress. Admiral is also offering people the chance to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life with a competition to win £1,500 towards a relaxing dream holiday.

Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, commented:- “The results of our survey highlight the impact general everyday stress has on your driving, so it's important that people are aware of this and how to lessen this impact. Hopefully our Podcast will go some way to help give people ideas on combating stress, and I'm sure winning the money towards a relaxing holiday would definitely help as well!”

Putting You in the Picture

A new ‘user friendly’ publication has just been launched that helps explain more about the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) and what it can do to support people through the National Health Service (NHS) complaints process.

The 20 page full colour publication, ‘Putting You in the Picture’, includes personal stories from those with first-hand experience of the advocacy service – members of the public that have come to ICAS for support, healthcare professionals and the advocates themselves. Aimed primarily at senior healthcare professionals and key partners in the NHS, it also informs the general public about the service whilst examining the extent to which complaints can act as a catalyst for positive change.

‘Putting You in the Picture’ has been produced jointly by the three charitable organisations that provide ICAS in nine regions throughout England – Carers Federation, POhWER and South of England Advocacy Projects (SEAP) as part of a collaborative project designed to raise awareness about the service. ICAS is provided in the North West by the Carers Federation from offices in Carlisle, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston.

ICAS is a free, confidential and independent service open to anyone who wishes to make a complaint about their NHS funded treatment or care. Over the last seven years it has helped around 30,000 people understand their rights, make informed choices and given them a voice.

Sue Lister, Carers Federation ICAS in the North West, describes how this new publication came about.  “We often hear stories about the huge difference ICAS makes in supporting people through the NHS complaints process, and decided it would be a good idea to share some of these accounts in a publication. It’s a great way of showing the positive impact the service can bring to people’s lives, and also why making a complaint can often be a good thing, especially when it leads to changes that can help improve health services for others.”

Copies of ‘Putting You in the Picture’ will be sent out to key healthcare professionals in the North West region over the coming weeks. It can also be downloaded from the Carers Federation website at www.carersfederation.co.uk and additional copies may be ordered by contacting the North West ICAS region on 0300 456 8350.

Royal Mail show their true colours

ASTONISHINGLY amidst what could potentially be one of the bitterest disputes between the two parties Royal Mail show their true colours. A large part of the current dispute is around claims that neither side are prepared to adhere to an agreement on modernisation reached between the parties in 2007 following the last national postal dispute.  As part of that agreement both sides entered into arrangements whereby employees could be asked to work half hour beyond their due finishing time and claim the time back later the same week. The agreement makes it absolutely clear that such arrangements were to be entered into on a voluntary basis.However, on the eve of one of the announced strike dates planned for later this week, Royal Mail management are demanding that employees work the extra half hour in anticipation of the strike action. There are also reports that staff have been threatened with consequences if they don’t comply. Carl Webb, CWU North West Regional Secretary, said:- “It beggars belief that with the 2 sides arguing the toss about who is and who isn’t adhering to the agreement that Royal Mail would make such a directive which is clearly a breach of the agreement.  It’s this type of heavy-handed management that has led to many of our members feeling bullied and harassed and why the union have asked for there to be an independent inquiry.”  Email us your views on this topic to news24@southportreporter.com.