Brighton’s stressed motorists asked to use a relaxation technique before driving

Brighton and Hove’s drivers are being encouraged to use a relaxation technique before driving in an attempt to cut the number of accidents on the city’s roads.
Mind in Gear - Brighton and Hove's new campaign which uses Mindfulness to improve road safety SUS-210329-115448001Mind in Gear - Brighton and Hove's new campaign which uses Mindfulness to improve road safety SUS-210329-115448001
Mind in Gear - Brighton and Hove's new campaign which uses Mindfulness to improve road safety SUS-210329-115448001

Today (Monday March 29) Brighton and Hove Council has launched the Mind in Gear campaign, which asks motorists to use a Mindfulness routine before driving.

Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism and is used to improve mental health, often with meditation. It teaches people to be more aware of their own thoughts and feelings and the environment around them.

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The council, which is working with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, want drivers to use a “simple mindfulness practice” to “help improve focus before setting out on a journey.”

Councillor Steve Davis, member of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said: “We all have our part to play in improving the safety of our roads.

“It’s very easy to be distracted while you’re driving, not just by things the things around us, but by our own thoughts and emotions too.

“Mindfulness is a proven method of focusing the mind and improving our awareness.

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“Like any skill, driving needs full attention and as the main cause of any collision is distraction, focus is at the core of road safety.”

A video has been made with filmmaker Sarah West, which demonstrates how emotion can affect your driving and concentration levels.

The council hopes the campaign will help to discourage dangerous driving distractions such as talking on the phone, chatting to a passenger, or eating or drinking.

To find out more visit MindInGear