Telematics insurer offers some timely tips for motorists on World Mental Health Day
With World Mental Health day on 10 October putting the spotlight on mental wellbeing, telematics insurer drive like a girl, offers some timely tips for motorists suffering with mental health conditions to keep themselves and other road users safe.
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. According to the NHS[i], in the UK, one in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental illness, and many more know and care for people who face mental health issues.
Kelly Wilkins, Head of Customer Service, at drive like a girl commented: “Mental health isn’t something to be embarrassed about and it is just as important as physical health when it comes to driving. If a person has a mental health condition, it is imperative they speak to their doctor as there are some conditions which need to be declared to the DVLA and their insurance provider, particularly if it affects their ability to drive.”
“There will always be days which are worse than others and having a mental illness doesn’t mean you can’t drive safely. But you might need to take extra care on the road to stay focused and make sure you don’t become too unwell to drive”.
drive like a girl top tips to stay safe on the road if you have a mental health condition
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Driving when tired can have the same effect as being over the drink-driving limit. Make sure you rest properly and consistently. Sleep also has a big impact on your mood – it’s hard to feel stable and calm with low energy levels.
2. Plan your journey
If you’re not feeling your best, you can ease your journey by planning it in advance. It’ll be easier to focus on safe driving when you know where you’re going. Make sure you also plan in sufficient breaks, if your drive is long.
3. Consider other ways to travel
Safety comes first. If you’re not feeling well and have doubts about your ability to drive, just don’t drive. Ask someone to give you a ride or catch a bus, whatever it takes to get to your destination safely.
4. Get help
If you’ve been feeling low for a while or you know that you have a mental health condition, there is always help available. Talk to your friends and family, tell your teacher, go to your GP or reach out to charities for advice.
Never risk your life, or somebody else’s, by getting on the road while feeling unwell. Make sure you’re fit to drive.
“Motorists may not want to inform their insurance provider of a condition because they are nervous their premium may increase, but if it’s already declared to the DVLA before getting a licence, the chances are it won’t have an impact. Furthermore, not declaring it may affect any claim you make or could result in your insurance being invalid.”, added Kelly Wilkins.
drive like a girl uses individual driver data to determine the risk profile of each policyholder through a black box installed in the vehicle. It shares driving data with each customer through a personalised online portal, empowering them to manage their driving habits in order to reduce their insurance risk profile – and possibly their premiums. drive like a girl policies offer a fixed mileage of 7,000 miles of cover and Reward Points[ii] can be earned for driving safely.
Media enquiries to:
Parm Heer//Wendy Harrison
Tel: 0208 977 9132
Email: itb@harrisonsadler.com
Notes to Editors
Insurethebox & drivelikeagirl
Insure The Box Limited launched in June 2010 with its first product, insurethebox, and now holds almost 5 billion miles of driving data and associated claims. As well as insurethebox and drive like a girl (another Insure The Box brand) it also administers other telematics offerings. Insurethebox is owned by Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited, part of the major Japanese insurance group MS&AD Holdings, Inc. The group is taking a leading role in the development of technologies that will change the face of motor insurance and the way we view the car.
[i] https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/.
[ii] Customers can earn up to 100 Reward Points per month, which can be used to buy extra miles or redeem vouchers.