Steering wheel grip indicates mental health concerns
“Ignoring the signs is a good way to end up at the wrong destination.” Cue this piece of wisdom from Wyatt, a motoring expert at the International Drivers Association.
Wyatt draws attention to a potentially overlooked aspect of driving behaviour: the grip we maintain on our steering wheel. Seemingly innocuous, Wyatt postulates a worrisome link between over-gripping the steering wheel and the state of one’s mental health.
According to frontiersin. org, driver performance is crucial for road safety. There is a relationship between performance and stress, such that too high or too low stress levels (usually characterised by stressful or careless driving, respectively) impair driving quality. Therefore, monitoring stress levels can improve the overall performance of drivers by providing either an alert or intervention when stress levels are sub-optimal.
Commonly-used stress measures suffer from several shortcomings, such as time delays in indication and invasiveness of sensors. Grip force is a relatively new measure that shows promising results in measuring stress during psychomotor tasks. In driving, the grip force sensor is non-invasive and transparent to the end-user as drivers must continuously grip the steering wheel.
Over-gripping: What does it mean?
Over-gripping involves unconsciously tightening the grip on your steering wheel, often resulting in white or clenched knuckles. It may even lead to physical discomfort, but more importantly, it may signal an unnoticed struggle with mental wellness. Wyatt explains, “It’s like another somatic marker, similar to stress-induced headaches or increased heart palpitations.”
Understanding the link with mental health
The crux of the matter lies in understanding the link between over-gripping the steering wheel and mental health. Often, over-gripping is symptomatic of:
1. Increased Levels of Stress and Anxiety: Tense muscles are a common physical reaction to stress and anxiety. If you’re experiencing chronically high stress levels, this tension could easily manifest as a tight grip on your steering wheel.
2. Hypervigilance: This mental state involves being perpetually on high alert, and it’s often seen in people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If you’re gripping your steering wheel like your life depends on it, it might be due to an overall heightened sense of alertness.
Notably, Wyatt advises, “Observing the way we drive can provide important clues to our psychological landscape.”
Actions to consider
Given the potential gravity of these mental wellness concerns, it’s crucial to take decisive steps in response. Wyatt offers these suggestions:
1. Self-observation: Regularly check on how you’re gripping the steering wheel. Are your knuckles white more often than not? Maybe it’s time to ask yourself what might be causing this tension.
2. Deep breathing exercises: Driving offers a practical opportunity for deep breathing exercises to relax your muscles and ease your mind. Regularly practice taking deep breaths throughout your drive to maintain a softer, more relaxed grip on the wheel.
3. Professionalsupport: If you notice a persistently tight grip despite trying relaxation techniques, it might be time to consult a professional. Mental health therapists can provide ways to tackle underlying stress or anxiety. Wyatt underscores, “There’s no shame in seeking help, in fact, doing so underscores a strong commitment to selfcare.”
Wrapping it up: Serenity behind the wheel
Driving offers a singular exploratory space - both physically and metaphorically. And while driving safety has understandably been of paramount importance, it’s time to reimagine our vehicles as potential sites for enhancing personal awareness and well-being.
So, next time you find yourself gripping the steering wheel a bit too hard, remember to pause, breathe and check in with your mind. As Wyatt aptly reminds us, “Your vehicle isn’t just a means of transportation - it’s a mirror reflecting your mental state let’s learn to observe it.”