Pavel Řezáč from CDV spoke on Czech Radio on the National No Rush Day about how psychology influences driving and why speeding does not save time.
On the occasion of the National No Rush Day, traffic psychologist Pavel Řezáč, Director of the Division of Transport Technologies and Human Factors at the Transport Research Centre (CDV), was a guest on the Odpolední Plus programme on Czech Radio.
The interview focused on the risks of speeding, the pressure to hurry, and the crucial role of human psychology in driving behaviour.
One of the key messages was that driving style often reflects how we behave in everyday life. People who are stressed, rushed or impulsive tend to carry these patterns into their driving. Mental state – including fatigue, stress or emotional strain – significantly affects decision-making and risk-taking on the road.
As highlighted in the interview, trying to “save time” by speeding has only a minimal effect. On a journey of around 200 kilometres, the time saved is often just a few minutes. However, the risks increase substantially – including a higher likelihood of serious road accidents.
Statistics show that speeding is most common among:
-
younger drivers,
-
men,
-
and a group of middle-aged drivers.
There is also a specific group of drivers who actively seek risk and deliberately break traffic rules.
The interview also emphasized the importance of campaigns such as the National No Rush Day. They help highlight the issue and remind drivers that even small behavioural changes can save lives. The key message is clear: You won’t save much time on the road, but you can lose a lot.