Results from recent research have been released and show that UK hauliers are now getting more stressed than a few years ago when they drive through London. This was released by PIE Mapping, which carried out research into hauliers driving in London. It will not be much of a surprise to hauliers who regularly carry out back loads in the capital.
Majority of Hauliers More Stressed in London
After interviewing hauliers, PIE Mapping found that over 70 percent of them found driving in the capital to be more stressful when compared to a couple of years ago. The results also showed that more hauliers are driving in London, with 46 percent stating that they drive more in the city now than they did a couple of years ago.
Haulage Drivers Need Permission at Less Congested Times
The quietest times to carry out back loads in London are in the evenings and at the weekends. However, the research found that 70 percent of the hauliers prefer to avoid driving in the city at these times. Why? Because of the permissions needed.
Drivers must first get approval for their routes from London councils to drive at these less congested times, and it would seem that this is proving to be a headache. Indeed, 55 percent of those drivers interviewed said that they have already paid fines for not getting permission.
Reducing Stress while Driving
Although hauliers have a great job, stress can be a problem on the road. There are a number of ways to cut down on stress while carrying out jobs and moving back loads, and this can help lead to a better driving experience in London and anywhere else.
It is important for drivers to spot the signs of stress early on and to take appropriate action. This could include stopping for a few minutes, maybe getting a bite to eat or stretching the legs. All of these interventions can help you to take your mind off whatever it is that is causing the stress.
Another good idea is to plan every journey carefully before starting. This can help you to spot problems early on and plan for them accordingly, helping you to avoid any potentially stressful situations.
Finally, try not to let other drivers cause you to be stressed. Sometimes other drivers can do things that can make you stressed, but as a professional driver, make sure you do not let them get to you.
Keep Stress Under Control when Driving
Being stressed behind the wheel can cause you to lose your judgment and it can affect your safety and the safety of other road users. If you find yourself getting stressed out, the best thing to do is to stop, take a break and relax for a bit until you are ready to carry on delivering, whether it be back loads or standard jobs, and whether you are in London or not, for that matter.