fear of driving on the freeway?

Question

IM SO SCARED OF DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IV'E NEVER EVEN TRYED,BUT JUST THE THOUGHT FREAKS ME OUT I DIDNT GET MY LICENCE TILL I WAS 20, AND I JUST DRIVE IN MY TOWN ,AND I FIND MYSELF GOING OUT OF MY WAY TO AVIOD GOING CERTIN WAYS THATS ARE NOT IN MY ROUTIN DRIVEING AREAS.I WAS IN A REALLY BAD CAR ACDENTANT 4 YEARS AGO ON THE THE FREEWAY MY MOM WAS DRIVING AND ENDED UP GETTING AIR LIFTED OFF THE FREEWAY! ANYHOW MY QUESTION IS ANY IDEA ON HOW TO OVER COME THIS?

Answer 1

oooh...this explains why you fear to go on freeways, and I don't blame you. There is nothing wrong with feeling this way...in fact you really can't help it much but to try to work with it. It sounds like it was a pretty bad accident...most people who go through trauma like this suffers Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. This is probably why you fear going on the freeway...I don't know much about this syndrome...but I know that it isn't just for people who came back from War...it is relating to anyone who has experience ANY trauma in their lives, even if they weren't in the situation but saw the whole trauma. I found this link that I thought you might relate to ...and maybe even get some support/help you need to work on how you are feeling. Maybe they have something for you to take medically to help calm you?? I am sure there are a lot of help/support out there.

Answer 2

Do you live in Phoenix? I fear driving on the freeway almost every day, but I have to, so I do.
Seriously, you just have to put that one incident out of your mind. You should just take 'baby steps', Get on the freeway tomorrow at a place where you know there is an exit not too far away, and get off at that exit. The next day you should go a little further, etc. After a while you won't even think twice about it.
Just a reminder, while on the freeway, stay away from vehicles with:
people on phones (they're the worst)
the SUVs (they just think they're more important than everyone else)
soccer moms (too many screaming kids)
illegal aliens (just don't know how to drive plus no insurance)
I guess that's about it, I hope this has helped, good luck.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

I am so paranoid to drive or sometimes even ride on the freeway when some else is even driving. My legs just shake. I've come so close to so many accidents, it just scares the crap out of me. People merging over, changing lanes and not looking. That scares me. I've also been in 5 accidents, none my fault. And heights on windy roads. I cry and get on the floorboard. I'm a mess. If I take something for my nerves, then I'm on drugs. Right? When all the cars are clustered together. OMG! So I take all the side streets when I can. I can drive on the freeway for maybe 4 exits. I live close to Sacramento, don't drive there. I couldn't make it in L.A. either. Crazy woman here!

Answer 5

You Would Have To Do Almost A Fear Factor.You Would Need A VERY Expierenced Driver,To Go With You.And Plus Dont Feel Bad,About Being In An Accident.When My Mom Drives,And Im On The Passenger Seat,And People Act Like There Not Gana Stop,I Get Really Tense,And I Brace Up.But Whenever Im With My Grandma,I Dont Brace Up And Get Tense.So Dont Feel Bad.

Answer 6

The more you do it, the more comfortable you will get. When you get on the entry ramp start glancing at the highway and find a spot where you can fit in. Then speed up or slow down accordingly. As far as being afraid that no one will let you in, try not worry about that. I always drive expecting that no one is going to let, so I look at a way to get in without someone having to let me over. However there are times where you can't do that, but you can always slow down and wait. Don't worry so much about the guy behind you hitting you. If he hits you, it is his fault regardless of what you did. Also always remember if you are trying to merge and can't you can always pull off the side of the road if that's what it comes to. Don't be afraid to use the option if it is your last resort. Just keep trying and it will be second nature in no time. Also a little confidence goes a long way. If it makes you feel it any better, I was a little nervous at first too, but now it is my favorite place to drive. Good luck!

Answer 7

I've known plenty of people who fear the highway and as a result simply don't drive on it. Mapquest gives an option to map routes avoiding highways.
My advice would be to work up to it. Get on the highway, stay in the slow lane, and get off at the next exit. Do that every couple of days for a month or so, and then try going 2 exits, then 3, and so on.

And a word of advice: On the internet, when you type in all capital letters, it is considered shouting, and it drives folks crazy :)

Answer 8

If you have medical coverage, try to get counseling about this issue. Understandably, you have anxiety about freeway driving! For now, don't get on the freeway.

There are ways you can overcome this issue and with proper techniques you will be successful. Please contact a psychotherapist and make sure you have a good rapport with the one you want to work with. Try another one if you don't like the first one.

Answer 9

daisy...i am the exact same..i'm 26 almost and i never got my liscense till 20 and would only drive in my 'hood and it was years till i went to the city by freeway....the only way is just make yourself, i promise you can do it...i had an accident that made me too afraid too but once i tried i became more confident....ask a good friend to be your navigator.

Answer 10

Practice Early Sunday mornings or Early Saturday mornings on the freeway. They are less crowded. Over time you will adjust.

I can relate. Conquer this and you will be able to conquer many things.