any suggestions in regards to getting over a driving phobia?

Answer 1

Start slow....drive a short distance, like to the end of teh street and when you feel comfortable, drive around the block..just keep increasing the distance as you gain confidence.

Answer 2

There is an old saying: if a horse throws you, dust yoursellf off, get back on the horse and ride it. The reason for this is because if you don't face your fear then it will get so bad that you will never be able to ride a horse. A rider who lacks confidence is a danger to herself and others because the horse can sense it and will try to throw you again.

This applies to cars too. A nervous driver is a danger to herself and others, but with the proper guidance you can graduate from being a nervous driver to being a seasoned one. If you are afraid of driving, then start off slow. Have a friend drive you to a parking lot and practice there. Go to a local gocart speedway and drive on a smaller scale. Drive around your block. Run small errands like to the corner store for some milk. Be confident and you will see that there is nothing to be afraid of. Take baby steps and reintroduce yourself slowly.

If you find something is a bit much to handle, you can go back a step until you are comfortable. Remember that phobias are difficult to overcome, but they can be overcome with practice. Challenge yourself and you will be driving again in no time!

If you should, at any time, feel overwhelmed, then just pull over and take a breather. Safety is key here. An accident can have you shaken up for a long time, but just learn you lesson from the accident and move on. Remember, The longer you go without driving, the harder it will be to start up again.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Self-hypnosis.

""According to the National Institute of Mental Health there are over 6 million people in the United States suffering from some type of phobia (by all accounts that is a low figure). Although there is no available statistic as to how many suffer from driving phobia, it is reasonable to suggest that their numbers are high. This type of phobia makes the ordinary act of driving a nightmare. Some individuals are so paralyzed with the fear of driving that they either significantly reduce their life’s activities or simply not drive at all.

Driving phobias are not to be taken lightly. Not only can they prevent people from enjoying life to the fullest, they can become crippling, making it difficult for people to hold a job or engage in social activities.""
http://www.fearlessdriving.com/
http://www.phobics-awareness.org/drivingphobia.htm
http://www.anxietycare.org.uk/docs/driving.asp
http://www.43things.com/things/view/79000
http://www.avonhypnotherapy.co.uk/drivingphobia.htm

Answer 4

That is a pretty dangerous phobia...
stay on well-light roads and imagine yourself driving to reach a muy importante place, if you don't make it, something bad will happen... always set a goal for yourself... it works (I told myself if a ran a certain amount, I would treat myself to a reward...)
Try to imagine something besides the other drivers,
you are the only one...
ALSO... drive safely and tell yourself if you don't, you'll have to pay a great big fine...
That'll change the phobia...

Answer 5

I had a pretty bad accident after I first started driving, then didn't want to drive anymore. Some older friends told me if I didn't now, I probably never would drive again. So, I took it slow on back roads until I got my confidence back. Now, it's like nothing ever happened.

Answer 6

Take public transport (bus, train) or ride a bike. If you have a driving phobia, you shouldn't be on the road. You're a hazard to everybody else

Answer 7

You have a rational fear, there are a lot of people who get seriously injured or killed each year due to car accidents.

What you have to do is be confident in your own ability to drive safe and always watch out for the other people driving around you.

Answer 8

I sincerely believe that the best way to deal with fears is to confront them head on. In a car, that might be painful (LOL!)...

I think maybe it might help to drive the car in an empty parking lot for a while. Get a little comfortable with it, then take it out on neighborhood streets for a while...get comfortable with that, then graduate to bigger streets and gradually work your way up to the freeway.

Hope that helps!

Answer 9

You get rid of fears by facing them. So drive if you want to get rid of that phobia. Safe drive, on clean and empty roads. Take it little by little.

Answer 10

Drive more. If you're in a busy city go out to the country and drive there.