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Study finds drivers are happiest when driving a convertible
08 September 2023
According to a new study, when driving a convertible, drivers are up to 19% happier, 32% less stressed, and 15% more alert. The happiness is increased most in those who are usually most aggressive on the road. FIAT partnered with Dr. Lisa Dorn to understand the physiological and psychological differences and benefits of convertible driving.
Driving an open-top convertible can significantly improve motorists’ mood and performance compared to driving with the roof up, according to a first-of-its-kind scientific study.
In association with Associate Professor of Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University and Founder of PsyDrive, Dr Lisa Dorn, the research FIAT did set out to explore whether driving with the top down affects one's physical and emotional wellbeing. To summarise, the results suggested that driving a convertible makes you happier, more alert, and could even have health benefits over the longer term.
The findings in detail.
Before the tests, each participant's driving style was measured with the Driver Stress Inventory, to see if they were pre-disposed to aggressive or thrill-seeking behaviour behind the wheel.
When the roof was down, all drivers experienced a significant increase of at least 6% in ‘Hedonic Tone,’ the test's measure of happiness. The greatest impact was felt by the most aggressive drivers, where a 20% uplift in their mood was recorded – over double that of their less aggressive counterparts and equivalent to the positive hedonic effects after a rigorous work-out.
Driving with the roof down didn’t just cause an increase positive emotions, it also caused a reduction in heart rate variability (HRV – an indication of stress) by up to a third (32%), suggesting that drivers having a greater contact with their driving environment and the wind in their hair could improve their wellbeing.
Convertible driving may also improve road safety, as drivers showed an increase in their alertness of up to 15%, and 20% lower levels of negative emotions such as frustration or anger, which can be linked to ‘road rage.’ Positive mood (both neutral and/or happy) is associated with heightened driving performance, visual attention, and a faster hazard response.
When looking at gender, men and women both saw a near identical and significant increase in their Energetic Arousal when the roof was down, meaning that both men and women were equally alert on the road. However, females reported a stronger impact from driving in general on their energy levels. Increases in Energetic Arousal mean drivers are more alert and aware of their surroundings, making them potentially perform better on the road.
Dr. Lisa Dorn said: “When driving with the top down in a convertible we experience greater levels of feedback from the road environment. This may be further increased in an electric vehicle, which emits much less noise and enables the driver to better take in their surroundings. In these circumstances, our data shows that this creates a sort of open-air euphoria that makes us feel physically and psychologically better, and possibly even drive more safely.
Mood when driving will clearly fluctuate depending on a variety of factors impacting the driver, vehicle, and road conditions. However, this study showed a significant effect that suggests, with repeated exposure, motorists could see health-related benefits of driving a convertible over time.”
Damien Dally, FIAT UK Managing Director, said: “At FIAT, we know the joy that driving a convertible brings to motorists, particularly in the UK, which is often dubbed the convertible capital of Europe. That’s why we have always offered the 500 as a convertible, were the first to offer a four-seater electric open-top to the UK – and why we are one of only a handful of manufacturers that offer an electric convertible to UK car buyers today.
Now there’s science to prove what we always thought, drivers are happier with the roof down. It’s fascinating to see what happens to our minds and our bodies when going for a spin in the open-air. Driving an All Electric Fiat 500 should be a joyous experience, and this study shows whether the roof is up or down, drivers were happier behind the wheel. It’s also interesting to see that it can benefit drivers in other ways, whether that be being more alert or calmer behind the wheel.”
The Fiat 500 all electric convertible is the first Fiat designed from the ground up to be 100% electric. The car provides a collection of best-in-class features such as Level 2 Autonomous Driving technologies, a variety of battery options and an all-electric driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP).