On the Scent of Cheaper HGV Insurance

Lloyds of London is urging hauliers to ensure driving cabs are smelling sweet in a bid to calm down drivers and therefore reducing accidents and subsequent insurance claims.

American psychology professor, Dr Ryan Raudebush, associate professor of psychology at Jesuit University, West Virginia, has been leading a team to produce the report Effects of Odour Administration on Driving Performance, Safety, Alertness and Fatigue. Its findings, just published, show that drivers showed decreased levels of anxiety and fatigue when exposed to the scent of peppermint.

Also, it was discovered that frustration decreased and alertness increased among drivers exposed to both peppermint and cinnamon. Both scents work by stimulating the nervous systems.

Professor Raudenbush said: "In general, prolonged driving led to increased anger, fatigue, and decreased vigour. Given these results it is reasonable to expect that the presentation of peppermint or cinnamon odour while driving may produce a more alert and conscientious drive and minmise the fatigue associated with prolonged driving.

"Periodic administration of these odours over long term driving may prove beneficial in maintaining alertness and decreasing highway accidents and fatalities."

Following the publication of the report, Lloyds of London is now calling on hauliers and drivers to ensure cabs are scented.
A spokesman commented: "The research from the Wheeling, Jesuit University, could prove useful for motor insurers battling claims inflation, particularly those that insure fleets of haulage vehicles."

He stressed that it would not be unrealistic for insurers to actually include a scented cab clause in future policies.

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Posted by Holly on 16/07/2007