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Stay stress free and win a luxury trip to Paris! |
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Since the November issue of Call Sign in which the article by me contained
reference to stress, correspondence has landed on my desk concerning not
just that very same subject, but more relevant, concerning stress whilst
driving. On reading some literature which mentions how far more stressful driving today is compared to 10 years ago and the effect it is having on the ordinary driver, I wondered just what the stress level of those in our industry was who drive for a living in one of the busiest cities in the world. Stress is a widely used word these days with all those big compensation payouts. But what is stress? Well supposedly, it is a natural response of the body to threat or challenge, a physical response in which the body prepares itself for "fight or flight." We all suffer from it, for example in the days when we had large attendances at our AGM's and I was the Society's regular 'aunt sally', the stress just before the meeting started was enormous, very much I imagine like an actor's first night. However, that type of stress is not a killer because you have it under control. Stress is a problem when it happens too often, happens in the wrong place or stops us from doing the things we need to, or worse, do things we shouldn't... It's been said: Stress probably won't kill you, but how you respond to it may." Which makes me wonder whenever I pick up a trade paper and look at the list of cab drivers licenses that have been revoked through drink/drive related offences, how many were put into that position by stress? Equally, how many of our fellow cabmen with years of experience of London's traffic, suddenly find themselves red with rage, screaming at other motorists without knowing why? Unfortunately, driving a cab can become so all self-consuming with every minute centred on earning a living, that time for self-management becomes non-existent. Far too many do not look beyond tomorrow or do very little to pre-empt stress related issues. By coincidence, there was an interesting article in last months |
Call Sign by Steve Shaller (R75) where, in support for the increase in the
night charge, he argues that having a badge involves no pension schemes, no
sick pay, no private health care, no holiday pay, no bonuses etc. all of
which is absolutely true as with any self employed person. So provisions
have to be made, but how many do? Well, from the number of drivers that I've
come across since being on the Board who think it's a waste of time and
money, then I can assure you it is probably very few. Even simple things such as how many drivers past 50 years of age have had a flue jab each year? How many have a regular health check or even a simply PSA test - what's that, you may ask? Well, if you find yourself going for a pee more than you used to, then I advise you to go and find out. As I mentioned in my last article, the possibility of a downturn in earnings due to world events over the past months could see a reaction amongst a small section of our members that could have an adverse effect on our client base, which ultimately can affect the rest of you. Making threats of zero tolerance and expulsions for the guilty is not the solution. We need to be positive, we need to show our clients that we identify with the stress issue and that we are making a concerted effort to do something about it. Furthermore, for it to be effective it needs to be visible; you need to be demonstrative. For example, if you find yourself getting agitated, stop for just a few moments before speaking. There is no gain whatsoever in remonstrating with a passenger. Invariably it is you that comes off worse, even when it is not your fault. And how do we demonstrate that we are working towards stress control? Well, why not adopt a policy of being less aggressive with your driving? Be courteous to other road users. Letting somebody out in front of you or stopping for pedestrians to cross is really not going to make much difference to your journey time, so do it with a smile. |
 One of the ways Allen Togwell finds to relax... A visit to a museum and a glass of something! Aggressive driving is habitual, even when we are not in a hurry. I once
hired a car in Barbados, The object of the competition is to think of a slogan that we can
place on your partition window telling your passenger that Dial-a-Cab
supports stress-free, safe driving. Travel in Peace - Arrive in one Piece The entry judged to be the best will win a return trip on Eurostar -travelling First Class - with a two-night stay in a top Parisian hotel. That should clear up any stress you have! Good luck... Allen Togwell |
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