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Mar 09, 2024

This air freshener scent could reduce road rage: study

Submit Δ Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. If you suffer from bad road rage, there might be a cure — in the form of an air freshener. A recent study published in Human

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If you suffer from bad road rage, there might be a cure — in the form of an air freshener.

A recent study published in Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical & Experiment found that the scent of peppermint oil can reduce aggressive driving behaviors.

Researchers from Northumbria University suggested that those who experience negative emotions such as stress and aggression while driving might want to invest in a peppermint-scented air freshener.

Participants recruited for the study volunteered under the pretense that its purpose was to look at the use of virtual reality for driving simulations. They were told after completion of the study what the main purpose was.

Volunteers — who were all over the age of 18 and had a valid UK driver’s license — were questioned on their moods before and after the simulation and asked to rate feelings of aggression, alertness, happiness, sadness, stress and calm on a five-point scale.

They were split into two groups for the simulation: one exposed to peppermint oil and a control group that was not.

Compounds in peppermint oil have been shown to have positive effects on the brain in helping with depression and anxiety, which could potentially be the “root” of road rage, the authors wrote.

Participants wore a VR headset, had a seat, steering wheel and pedals, and were allowed to drive in a “calm” environment for a five-minute practice.

After the practice period, the simulation was increased to a 15-minute experience that could trigger aggression from drivers.

In 35 instances in the simulation for each participant, drivers would cut into their lane or abruptly brake without any warning.

The software recorded when participants’ driving turned into aggressive behavior, while researchers took note of any verbal instances that could be aggression.

Findings showed that those who were exposed to peppermint oil through a diffuser showed aggressive behavior an average of 21.6 times while those without the aroma showed aggression 25.2 times, which is a 16.7% increase.

The study also found that the drivers with the essential oil were more alert and calm on top of being less aggressive and stressed.

Researchers said that peppermint oil could be used daily for those who experience road rage as it “significantly reduced aggressive driving behaviors” — but suggested a car freshener for the scent rather than a diffuser.