It goes without saying that booking some time out on track for one of our Supercar Driving Experiences is a good time out. But it turns out that there's genuine science emerging from a new investigation* published this week, that suggests driving a convertible could be a certified mood booster.
It should perhaps come as no surprise that said research has been conducted by Fiat, who are, after all, currently the world's biggest manufacturers of convertibles, with their 500C model used in the study, headed up by Dr Lisa Dorn, Associate Professor of Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University.
Dr Dorn is also the founder of PsyDrive, Fiat's pioneering research project that explores the relationship between driving with the roof down with the effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, both in the short and long term.
A total of 23 participants were included in the study, who each drove the car with the roof down and the roof up on a quiet rural public road, and wore ECG chest bands that helped measure their heart rate before, during and after each of their drives.
The findings revealed that as much as 6% of all drivers tested were happier with the roof down, with the most aggressive drivers receiving a boost in their mood by as much as 20% - almost double what their less aggressive peers experienced.
As well as increasing positive emotions, participants also saw their heart rate variability decrease by as much as 32%, as well as 15% increased levels of alertness and a 20% reduction in negative emotions such as frustration and anger.
Of the findings, Dr Dorn says "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."
Certainly, especially when it is warmer weather such as right now in the summer, driving with the roof down on a convertible, and being more aware of your surroundings and the elements does make all the difference to your driving.
Here at Driving Experience, we're proud to offer a number of convertible models including a a convertible Aston Martin Vantage, Ferrari 430 and Porsche 911 Turbo on a selection of our Supercar Blast and Supercar Thrill packages, available to book at UK wide venues today through dates on our Supercar Experiences Calendar or through purchase of our Gift Vouchers. So go on - why not let the roof down? (Provided it's the right day for it, that is!)
