Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Stress Increases Risk for Car Accident

It is common knowledge that stress can have a negative impact on a person’s health. Highly stressed people are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, an increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, depression, and insomnia, to name a few. What may come as a surprise to some is the fact that stress can also increase a person’s chances of being involved in a car accident. A study recently published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology reveals individuals who experience a significant amount of stress at work are at an increased risk of being in a car accident during their commute to or from work.

The average American spends approximately 26 minutes per day, one way, on their commute. Those living in more heavily populated urban areas, including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., likely experience an even longer commute. While most people deal with some degree of stress at work, when that stress becomes overwhelming it can have dangerous consequences. A person who is stress can become preoccupied or distracted while driving, making them more likely to be involved in a serious car accident.

One way to deal with stress is to do something that shifts the focus off of whatever is causing the stress or anxiety. For some people, that means exercising, going for a walk outdoors, or meeting up with a friend. Unfortunately, one cannot do any of these things while stuck in a car with a long commute ahead.

Top Source of Stress for Commuters

While any kind of stress can have an impact on a person’s driving habits, one of the leading sources of stress that can cause drivers to take unnecessary risks while driving is the challenge of balancing work and family life. After a long, stressful day at work, coupled with a desire to rush home to spend time with family, it is not uncommon for people to speed, talk or text while driving, tailgate, or engage in other dangerous driving habits. The second most common source of stress reported by commuters was having to deal with a terrible boss. According to the study, the more a person reported having issues with their manager, the more it negatively impacted their driving. Unfortunately, the study also showed that stressed out drivers were more likely to exhibit dangerous driving habits whenever they got behind the wheel, and not just during their daily commute.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Distracted Drivers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, and the person responsible was driving dangerously or aggressively, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. If we determine that the accident was caused by the other driver’s behavior and negligence, we will pursue the maximum financial compensation on your behalf. To set up a free consultation with one of our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.