If you are fearful of driving, it can significantly impact your daily life. Whether it's the anxiety of motorway driving, fear of losing control behind the wheel, or the potential for accidents, maybe even worry over other drivers, it's a common fear.
Some people don't like driving on motorways - the speed and amount of traffic can be a trigger for anxiety. The higher speeds, with people switching lanes and having to make decisions quickly, can be anxiety provoking.
For some people it's specific places such as driving over a bridge or to a certain area.
Other people may be more worried about other drivers and the sheer volume of traffic with people driving at speed, or erratically. The roads are becoming busier all the time. If you've been driving a while and had a break from it, this is even more noticeable.
Driving fear can vary from mild anxiety or a feeling of unease, to total panic and not being able to get behind the wheel at all. Some people will only drive from A to B, round their local area and fear venturing anywhere unknown. Others may not get behind the wheel at all.
So where does it come from?
Well this is very individual. Sometimes it is due to past experience - incidents or accidents while driving or a passenger. Sometimes it's not about driving at all, and more a general fear or anxiety about going to new places. For some people it can be a form of social anxiety or agoraphobia. The feeling of being scared of being out there in the roads, surrounded by people and not being able to escape easily.
Driving is a big responsibility and for some people this aspect of it can seem overwhelming.
Whatever the issue for you, there are steps you can take to overcome it.
Plan your journey
By becoming familiar with the route you'll be taking, you can help to alleviate some of the anxiety before you set off. This isn't always possible though - if you find yourself out and have to take an unexpected route. This is where a good sat nav can be really helpful to keep you on track.
Take your time
Allow plenty of time for your journey where possible- there is nothing like the pressure of being late to add to the panic.
Practice ways to stay calm
Learn some breathing and relaxation techniques that you can do before you travel, to stop the anxiety before it starts.
Take a break
If it gets too much - pull over and take 5 minutes to ground yourself.
Boost your driving confidence
Sometimes it helps to take a driving refresher course to help get your confidence back.
Work with an experienced therapist to help you overcome this. Sometimes working woth a professional can be the best way to get yourself past the fear, and teach you some valuable coping techniques.
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