Vacation drivers: Be prepared for bumps on the road

A car that refuses to start on your way to a vacation can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Here you'll find great tips from a psychologist on how to prepare for the hardships of the winter car holidays.

The experienced employees at the SOS International alarm centre nod in recognition that an automobile accident is made even more stressful when it occurs while you are on vacation.

Emma Alvius, a psychologist with SOS International's Healthcare Division, recommends mentally preparing for the possibility that things will not go as planned even before departure:

- It is always wise to be mentally prepared for the possibility that things will not go as planned. If you've factored it into your calculations, it usually doesn't feel as hard when the unexpected occurs. In fact, a large part of our psychological well-being lies in the practical. If you have practically prepared yourself for the unexpected, you will feel better mentally when it occurs, according to Emma Alvius.

If you frequently become enraged at other drivers in traffic, the psychologist recommends the following strategies for managing your strong emotions:

- It is important to accept that you cannot control everything and that the only thing you can control in traffic is your own driving. Nothing else, says Emma Alvius.

Read psychologist Emma Alvius' tips for dealing with adversity and unexpected traffic events:

Before departure:

• If you're traveling a long distance, plan ahead and bring a few more necessities than you believe you'll need. We cope better with adversity if we can keep ourselves nourished and warm and communicate with our environment when necessary.
• Make sure that you have a contingency plan in case something goes wrong, and that you have your insurance company's contact information.
• If you have children in the car, make sure they have something to do during extended wait times.

During the trip:

• If you know that you tend to become stressed or angry while driving, it may be beneficial to begin working on this even before you get in the car.
• It could be as simple as calming your breathing or concentrating intently on driving and letting go of thoughts about the destination or what will happen when you arrive.
• For others, it may be beneficial to listen to music that contributes to a calm or positive mood.
• If you travel with children and another adult, it can be beneficial to agree in advance that the adult who does not drive is responsible for maintaining and managing the children's needs.

If something goes wrong:

• Avoid negative thought tracks by focusing on alternative solutions
• If you cannot imagine taking public transportation while your car is in the workshop, make sure that your insurance covers a rental car and/or arrange for someone to pick you and your family up.
• Is there anything interesting to do in the vicinity while the car is being repaired?
• Is it possible to rebook my leave/accommodation?