1 month ago 26th Nov 11:25
- New research shows chewing can help increase concentration at the wheel -
Over half of Brits (57%)1 struggle to learn to drive, but in a recent study, something as simple as chewing gum managed to help improve the driving skills of 36 learner drivers by an average of 60%2.
Learner drivers need to kick up a gear
Wrigley teamed up with the British School of Motoring (BSM) to monitor concentration levels of 36 learner drivers. The test logged the number of mistakes made during simulated tests and compared the difference in accuracy when chewing and not chewing gum.
The tests showed that the learner drivers tested were 91% more likely not to miss dangerous hazards on the road when chewing and 85% better at steering. Interestingly, almost half (44%) of learners tested were less likely to speed when the gum was in their mouth2. When questioned, almost two thirds of drivers (61%)3 said they felt that chewing gum helped to increase their focus when driving.
When questioned, a third (33%) of learners in the study cited an inability to focus whilst driving as a major challenge. Meanwhile over a quarter (29%) admitted to nerves being their downfall and almost half (45%) say they get easily distracted on the road3.
Interestingly the study found that the older driving students who participated needed the most help; students over 25 were almost twice as likely (31%) than 17 and 18 year olds (16%) to struggle with learning to drive because they couldn't maintain focus at the wheel3.
The graph below shows the number of mistakes made by driving students chewing and not chewing during the driving simulator test2:
More about Chewing Gum Helps Steer Learner Drivers To Success on page 2
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