Immobile Neurotics

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30531, 28 August 1964, Page 11

Immobile Neurotics

(Special Crspdt N Z P.A.) LONDON, August 27.

“Trafficitis” is the name coined for the effect on motorists of traffic jams, which are steadily increasing in Britain.

It is said to be the result of the fuming of frustrated drivers as they battle their way to and from home through and past miles of cars and other vehicles. According to road research ers trafficitis makes drivers

cross, irritable and pent-up with frustration. In addition to affecting the nervous system it sends up the pulse rate and blood pressure, causes palpitations and loss of appetite and upsets the digestive system. A research team attached to one of London’s teaching hospitals recently investigated the emotional responses of motorists driving in bad traffic.

it found that congested traffic brought on fatigue, unhappiness. gloom, a sense of helplessness, and acute irritability Some motorists even registered panic and abandoned

their cars in the middle of traffic jams.

Millions of Britons are said to be victims of trafficitis, which in addition to affecting their health and happiness may also influence their marriages. Drivers with nerves on edge return home and snap at their wives and children. Oddly enough men- not affected by the “disease” are London bus drivers. Dr. L. G. Norman, chief medical officer of the London Transport Board, said, “Our men regard their job as an ordinary day’s work, and we have not found any cases of illness that can be directly related to driving frustrations.”