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16th September 2024
03:36pm BST
Dublin has been ranked as the second most stressful city in Europe to drive in.
The new research from DiscoverCars.com, measured the heart rates of drivers in seven different cities across the continent.
The research is supported by practising medical doctor Dr Adedeji Saheed, who provided insights into typical heart rates.
An average of each driver’s lowest driving and resting heart rate was then measured, as well as the highest driving and resting heart rate. Then, the difference between the two opposite rates provided a number used as a ‘Stress Rating’.
Dublin, with a stress rating of 9.5 came behind the joint most stressful cities Vienna and Zagreb, who each had a score of 25.5.
The Dublin driver’s heart rate reached 130 bpm while driving, but their resting heart rate also went as high as 126 bpm, which is higher than the normal range according to Dr Saheed.
Drivers in Dublin have suggested major sources of stress include slow moving traffic on single lane roads.
Copenhagen in Demark was also one of the more stressful driving cities, with a rating of 7.5.
On the other side of the list, Reykjavik, Stockholm and Tallinn made up the the least stressful cities on the continent to drive in.
Aleksandrs Buraks, Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com said: "We have a few theories about what might have influenced these results, and one of them is that cities that are less densely populated might be more relaxing places to drive.
"We’re sure that anyone who has driven in a few different cities in their time would say this is often the case!”
Some tips to reduce stress while driving include planning out your route before you set off, avoiding driving during rush hour and not panicking after taking a wrong turn while driving in an unfamiliar location.
