My mom and sister have been in at least six accidents (between the two of them) in the last six years. All the accidents were the other driver's fault. I am scared of getting behind the wheel because I have no way to control the other driver's actions. Plus I myself have the ability to kill someone in one fell swoop. :( I don't know how to get around this fear, help?
2006-06-15 09:57:07 · 12 answers · asked by anonymouse 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Drive.
You're a normal, rational person. The things you talk about ARE concerns, but unless you become a shut-in, they're things you learn to deal with. Someone else can hit you just as easily walking down the sidewalk.
The fact that you're concerned is good - you should be. As you gain experience, you'll become more comfortable behind the wheel, and relax. Bad things do happen sometimes, but when they do, learn from them as best you can and get back out there. Take it slow, at your own pace - don't let other people pressure you into doing anything you aren't comfortable doing.
If all drivers felt as you do, the roads would be safer. Just don't let it affect the way you live your life.
2006-06-15 10:04:17 · answer #1 · answered by M3Owner 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Dear Terrified,
Often it is a mistake NOT to have a little fear when you drive. When we don't watch out for dangers, then we become complacent and are more likely to do something that will cause an accident. I have been driving for 35 years and 30 of those have been spent driving emergency vehicles (fire trucks and ambulances). While none of us can control other drivers, we can control how safe we drive. Always drive as if there is someone out there not paying attention...but know that statistically you're probably safer than other drivers. Think about it, how likely is the average driver to be in an accident? Once or twice in their driving career? Your mom and sister have already had enough accidents to meet the quota for your family. Relax, pay attention to road signs, and do things to increase your situational awareness - adjust your mirrors - check them frequently, follow all the rules of the highway and above all, when approaching intersections watch out for the other guy who might be trying to "beat the stop light" or yaking on their cell phones not paying attention. Good luck and let me know how you do with your driving. You can do it!
2006-06-15 17:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by Clint F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing that you need to do is to relax. The more stressed out you are while behind the wheel, the more dangerous you are. You're right, you can't control other driver's actions, but you can control your own. Take a defensive driving course to better learn how to deal with other people on the road. You'll learn to be more aware of what is going on around you. Lots of people are worried about driving. I was. Educate yourself. It will go away the better you feel about your own driving.
2006-06-15 17:16:54 · answer #3 · answered by happy_fairy_gurl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont; be scared. Just be a defensive driver. Always watch what is going on around you. Drive the limit, and dont rush, always signal. Driving isnt scary if you are prepared. JUst keep an eye out for everything.
2006-06-15 17:04:07 · answer #4 · answered by SportsChic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take a driver's education course. you will learn how to watch for other drivers to prevent accidents from happening. i understand your fears, but if you are a good driver, then you probably won't be in an accident. accidents do happen though, it's just a part of life.
2006-06-15 17:02:21 · answer #5 · answered by iteach2change 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Identify everything around you and predict that they will do something really stupid. Decide what you will do if another car does something extreamly stupid and execute it when they do.
Dont talk on a cell phone and dont do alcohol or drugs when you drive. Pills either. Truck drivers can look down at you, and most of them will call you in to law enforcement if they think your driving unsafe.
2006-06-15 23:54:55 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use common sense and don't expect anyone else on the road to do so. Pay attention to the road, not the radio, the phone, the billboards, your make-up, etc. Don't tailgate, stay out of blindspots, watch your speed, and drive a great big car with airbags.
2006-06-15 17:34:35 · answer #7 · answered by TexasRed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Defensive driving courses
2006-06-15 17:00:24 · answer #8 · answered by welch1198 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blindfold yourself and walk down the side of the road!Trust the drivers to see you??? Well, when you drive others trust "your" judgment...have faith in others! The world is not comprised of perfect people!
2006-06-15 17:03:08 · answer #9 · answered by NonameSpiritalker 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try taking a driving course. Maybe being with an instructor will help your confidence, as well as help you gain better driving skills.
2006-06-15 17:00:55 · answer #10 · answered by jerzee_mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋