Alleviating Anxiety on our Roads
In today’s fast-paced world, the daily commute or road journey can be a significant source of stress, tension, and anxiety for many individuals.
The uncertainty of traffic conditions, roadworks, and unexpected delays can trigger worry and frustration, affecting our mental well-being. However, there is a solution that not only provides essential information but also helps alleviate anxiety and reduce stress levels: variable message signs (VMS).
Our portable signs displaying real-time information on road conditions and journey times have a surprising impact on the mental strain experienced by road users. In this blog, we will explore how VMS can benefit mental health by reducing stress, tension, frustration, and worry, and how they contribute to a more positive and anxiety-free driving experience.
The Detrimental Effects of Stress and Worry
Stress and worry take a toll on our mental and physical health. The constant anticipation of traffic congestion, unexpected roadworks, or delays can create a sense of helplessness and exacerbate anxiety. Studies have shown that chronic stress contributes to a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, insomnia, reduced cognitive function, and even depression. Therefore, finding effective ways to minimise stress and worry during road journeys is crucial for promoting mental well-being.
Stress-Relief: Real Time Information
Variable message signs play a vital role in reducing anxiety by providing road users with up-to-date, real-time information. These signs display essential details regarding road conditions, alternate routes, and expected journey times, allowing drivers to make informed decisions and plan their journeys more effectively. By knowing what lies ahead, road users can mentally prepare for potential delays, reducing the element of surprise and the resulting stress.
Alleviating Anxiety
The fear of the unknown is a common source of anxiety, and this applies to road users as well. The ‘what ifs’ that accompany a journey can cause significant stress and worry. However, VMS products provide a solution to this problem. By displaying vital information these signs address the uncertainty that often plagues drivers. They act as a reassuring guide, eliminating the need to imagine worst-case scenarios and allowing road users to focus on the present moment.
Reducing Frustration
Delays and unexpected road incidents can quickly lead to frustration and tension. Traffic congestion, detours, or unclear directions can trigger emotions that are detrimental to mental health. Variable message signs mitigate these negative emotions by keeping drivers informed and aware of the situation at hand. By providing accurate and timely updates, VMS help drivers anticipate and understand the causes of delays.
One major additional benefit is the one our roadworkers can experience. A calmer driver is less likely to subject roadworkers to a torrent of abuse – something roadworkers sadly face on an increasing basis.
MVIS Sales Director Graeme Lee said:
“There are some really important elements to portable VMS that we believe are overlooked. In a world where stresses are high enough, we don’t want a road network filled with anxious, angry drivers -it isn’t good for anyone. Journey time information is so important to drivers and enables them to adapt as they travel. With the common integration of Bluetooth into cars now for telephone use, an informed driver can keep in touch if required to advise of any changes to their journey and subsequently, their plans.”

Bringing over a decade of experience to the Hillhead Showground, Anne was at the show two years ago. Sharing her knowledge with potential customers, ensuring they walked away from our stand well informed and ready to make a decision as to whether they will be purchasing from our friendly sales team.
The brilliant mind behind all of MVIS VMS and ITS, he is the best person possible to attend the show and answer all of those small technical problems. Tom is also a problem solver being able to take a unique problem such as a lack of signal on site for our VMS, implementing a Remote Controlled Fob so you can change VMS using pre-uploaded messages.
Bringing years of sales experience in VMS to Hillhead, Juliette is great at finding solutions to potential problems on your site and rectifying them with our products. Juliette is also well versed in customer service and is easy to talk to and can explain our products clearly and precisely.
After 4 years at MVIS, Ben has helped put together all promotional content together for this years show. He also visited numerous sites across England giving demonstration of MVIS products to quarries. Combine this with 2 years of market research into the quarry sector and Ben is confidently able to come to Hillhead, helping customers solve their quarry traffic management issues.





