Car Insurance

Sweet-smelling cars can cut the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, thus reducing accidents and car insurance costs, claims a new study.

Drivers are being warned that long journeys behind the wheel cause anger, fatigue and anxiety, meaning more accidents and higher car insurance premiums – but smelly cars could cut these costs.

Scientists from the Jesuit University in West Virginia, USA, have produced the report Effects of Odour Administration on Driving Performance, Safety, Alertness and Fatigue – which details the effects smelly car interiors have on driving. The team found that frustration decreased and alertness increased in lorry cabs and cars scented with peppermint or cinnamon –

lowering the risk of falling asleep at the wheel and keeping car insurance costs down. Lead researcher Dr Ryan Raudebush explained: "In general, prolonged driving led to increased anger, fatigue, and decreased vigour. "Given these results it is reasonable to expect that the presentation of peppermint or cinnamon odour while driving may produce a more alert and conscientious drive and minimise the fatigue associated with prolonged driving." He added: "Periodic administration of these odours over long term driving may prove beneficial in maintaining alertness and decreasing highway accidents and fatalities." A spokesman for car insurance quote provider Lloyds of London urged long distance drivers and those driving regularly to heed the advice. He said the research could help car insurance providers who are struggling with motor insurance claims inflation over recent months.