Density of traffic, impossible parking, traffic jams during rush hours… Spotlight on the European bugbear of motorists.
Driving in the city can quickly turn into a nightmare. Some urban centers are so congested and punctuated by horns and traffic jams that they become real circuits of nervousness for motorists. But do you know which city was voted the most stressful in Europe for drivers? A recent study has decided and the results are astonishing.
To establish this ranking, the DiscoverCars portal analyzed data from several large European cities. The goal was to understand where driving was most anxiety-provoking. The researchers then collected the drivers’ heart rates during their journeys. The participants, equipped with on-board cameras, therefore recorded their movements, thus making it possible to identify the most tense moments and places. Result ? A European capital has broken all records, surpassing other cities known for heavy traffic. On average, the heart rate of motorists in this city climbed to 115 beats per minute while driving.
For perspective, know that the resting rhythm is generally around 75 beats per minute. This difference of 25.5 points on average reflects palpable stress. And the researchers did not stop at simple physiological measurements. They also scoured discussions on online platforms to gather users’ opinions on traffic, parking and general difficulties related to driving. The reactions are clear: many motorists complain about road congestion and the impossibility of easily parking in the city center. The main streets, often congested during rush hours, put a strain on the nerves.
Among the cities analyzed, we find Nordic capitals like Copenhagen and Reykjavik, known for their heavy traffic. Dublin and Stockholm were also considered, as was Tallinn, which regularly attracts attention for its urban innovations. And yet, none of these cities matched the stress felt by the drivers of our famous winner. Indeed, the one that climbs to the top of the podium is none other than Zagreb in Croatia.
Faced with this reality, local authorities are trying to react. Various projects are underway, from increasing parking spaces to creating additional garages and improving access roads. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will succeed in relieving the burden on motorists.