According to a recent study by Compare the Market AU, South Africa has been identified as one of the world’s most stressful countries for drivers.
As reported by The South African, South Africa has made it to the Top 10, occupying the 8th spot.
Indeed, driving can be a stressful experience which is influenced by factors often beyond our control, such as poor road infrastructure.
Picture: iStock/Gorica Poturak
Over the past 12 months, global searches for “stress while driving” are said to have surged by +100%.
To find out which countries are the most stressful to drive in, the car insurance comparison experts at Compare the Market AU analysed various factors.
These include electric charger availability, average congestion and accident rates.
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Romania occupies the number one spot as the most stressful country for drivers, with a score of 50.96.
The country had the worst congestion rate (55%) among all those analysed. Its notorious lack of highways contributes to this congestion.
The report evaluates a number of factors which affect driver experience. It also reveals the complex mixture of challenges that South African motorists face on a daily basis.
Among the factors contributing to this high-stress ranking are issues such as road safety concerns, including high theft rates and fatalities.
As reported by IOL, the study also uncovered some positive aspects of driving in South Africa. This is despite the driving challenges listed.
For example, South Africa offers one of the lowest parking prices globally. At just 1.33 USD for two hours, it ranks second in terms of affordability, which can alleviate some financial stress for drivers.
Ultimately, the findings of the study present a nuanced picture for South African drivers. Although the country certainly faces challenges, elements such as affordable parking and relatively reasonable road quality offer a silver lining in an otherwise tumultuous driving landscape.
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