Abstract
In the paper a relationship between stress and accident risk in the form of a U shaped curve has been postulated. If further research confirms this connection, then stress management techniques should improve the effectiveness of road safety programmes. The influence of human factors such as age, experience, subjective perceptions of risk and active or passive responses to stress would need to be taken into account in formulating appropriate measures. These should then be applied in a carefully balanced way to avoid over-reaction and counter-productive effects.