Why M6 traffic is more stressful than a dentist appointment or a first date

Sitting in traffic on the M6 is more stressful than going to the dentist or on a first date, according to new research.

A study conducted by Virgin Trains – with former Big Brother psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie – found that 15 per cent of motorists view M6 traffic twice as stressful as vising the dentist and 23 per cent said they found a first date more relaxing.

The findings are revealed weeks after a survey by traffic analytics specialist INRIX discovered that West Midland drivers endure 17 hours’ sitting in jams on the M6 from junction 10 at Wolverhampton to junction seven in north Birmingham.

With extreme roadworks, due to take place on the M6 over the next few years, stress levels will continue to rise on this route.

Prof Beattie said that the impact of car travel stress can last for up to two to three hours in a day.

As such it is understandable that 57 per cent of respondents to the research by Virgin Trains said they wished they had caught the train rather than driving.

Forty-five per cent of those commuting between Birmingham and London also said they found the train more relaxing than driving.

Other things drivers would prefer to do while stuck in traffic include: watch TV – 35 per cent; and catch up on emails – 24 per cent

Biggest traffic frustrations

The biggest frustrations for drivers include:

• High volumes of traffic – 59 per cent

• No parking at destination – 12 per cent

• Getting lost – six per cent

Heavy and barely moving traffic builds up on the south-bound M6 between junction 10A and 5

Biggest traffic stresses

Traffic stress manifests itself in different ways among drivers, including:

• Restlessness – 53 per cent

• Tiredness – 53 per cent

• Anger – 38 per cent

• Headaches – 34 per cent.

How to combat traffic stress

Motorists did come up with a raft of suggestions which they believe could ease traffic stress.

These include:

• Roadside toilets – 47 per cent

• Periscope – 37 per cent

• Dreaming of reaching a destination – 53 per cent

What Prof Beattie recommends

Prof Beattie also has some top tips to make a journey more enjoyable, whether by train or car:

• Pack properly – have a few items – such as snacks, water or a flask of tea or coffee – on standby for long trips.

• Maximise Productivity – the feeling of being unproductive is one of the biggest contributors to frustration. Planning for productivity will help to make you feel that the time is being used productively. Download podcasts, learn a language via audio tapes or listen to the radio.

• Factor in traffic time – delays are inevitable, so planning an extra half an hour as a buffer to help ease stress if you do get caught up.

Professor Geoff Beattie said: “This research by Virgin Trains seems to show that travelling by car is sometimes a chore to be endured rather than enjoyed.

“Over half the drivers surveyed reported that a stressful journey can impact their whole day with feelings of frustration, anger and even headaches.

“In comparison, those people travelling by train felt that they could relax on their journey, catch up on work or watch a film, leaving them in a somewhat better state of mind on arrival”.

Below: London to Birmingham in five minutes aboard Virgin Trains