In support of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is reminding motorists they shouldn’t just be checking their tyres, brakes and oil levels before getting behind the wheel, but also checking in on themselves and others.
Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Life can be a hard road, and sometimes we need time to put the brakes on and take some time for ourselves. We are living in extraordinary times where the need for mental health support services is definitely on the increase. It’s therefore essential that we recognise the struggles many of us face during such challenging times and do all we can to help each other.”
Richard also offered some words of advice to those who find themselves feeling stressed or anxious behind the wheel: “Sometimes, driving can worsen any feelings of anxiety, which can lead to driving becoming an unpleasant, and even unsafe experience. To mitigate these risks, drivers should ensure they get plenty of rest before long drives, carefully plan their journeys and remove any distractions.”
IAM RoadSmart’s commitment to tackling the issue of mental health is further supported by its partnership with Mental Health Motorbike – an organisation which exists to create meaningful opportunities to grow the greater wellbeing of the motorbike community, and ultimately reduce suicide amongst bikers in the UK.
Paul Oxborough, Founding Director of Mental Health Motorbike, commented: “Mental Health Awareness Week is a great reminder that it is worth doing regular checks on ourselves, as well as our bikes or vehicles. There is no health without mental health, which is why we are on a mission to improve wellbeing within the motorcycling community through a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders, who can support other bikers across the UK.”