Motoring
Over half of Brits (57%)1 struggle to learn to drive, but in a recent study, something as simple as chewing gum managed to help improve the driving skills of 36 learner drivers by an average of 60%2.
Learner drivers need to kick up a gear
Wrigley teamed up with the British School of Motoring (BSM) to monitor concentration levels of 36 learner drivers. The test logged the number of mistakes made during simulated tests and compared the difference in accuracy when chewing and not chewing gum.
The tests showed that the learner drivers tested were 91% more likely not to miss dangerous hazards on the road when chewing and 85% better at steering. Interestingly, almost half (44%) of learners tested were less likely to speed when the gum was in their mouth2. When questioned, almost two thirds of drivers (61%)3 said they felt that chewing gum helped to increase their focus when driving.
When questioned, a third (33%) of learners in the study cited an inability to focus whilst driving as a major challenge. Meanwhile over a quarter (29%) admitted to nerves being their downfall and almost half (45%) say they get easily distracted on the road3.
Interestingly the study found that the older driving students who participated needed the most help; students over 25 were almost twice as likely (31%) than 17 and 18 year olds (16%) to struggle with learning to drive because they couldn't maintain focus at the wheel3.
The graph below shows the number of mistakes made by driving students chewing and not chewing during the driving simulator test2:
"There are a number of different ways driving students can improve their driving skills, and naturally anything they can do to increase their concentration is a huge asset. Our advice is that plenty of practice and preparation can help learners to maintain focus whilst driving and ultimately help them achieve their goal of becoming safe and responsible drivers†says Robin Cummins OBE, road safety consultant for BSM.
To help learner drivers increase their concentration and get through the gruelling 40 minute test BSM has put together some top tips on how to maintain focus at the wheel:
* Open the windows to allow increase of oxygen supply to the brain
* Stop for regular breaks
* Drink lots of water/energy drinks to keep hydrated
* Chew sugarfree gum