Fear of Driving?

Question

I know this sounds funny but it is so true. I don't necessarily think it is the fear of driving but maybe driving to places far (heavy traffic areas or places that I never been) becuase I can drive around town as long as I know where I am going. Other than that, I have an intense fear of driving to places I have never been even if they are real close. My boyfriend has to take me to a lot of places and I hate that because I think his driving is making it worse. Im basically fearing for my life and praying to GOD for my safety instead of paying attention to the roads. He does like 80-100 mph on the freeway, swerves in and out of traffic, and tailgates anybody in front of him. I tell him to stop but he acts like everythings fine. Anyways, people are always asking me to come over but I'm too scared to go anywhere even with the directions.

Answer 1

(excuse any typo's...spell check is not working)
I also have this problem. Although psycologists insist that confronting your fears will make them go away, it's not true for me. I still become very anxious, and have mild panic attacks. What does help...SOME... is for me to look up on yahoo maps, mapquest, or a paper map. This way I have an idea of the time and mileage (and I do check my watch and odometer often) of the trip, side roads and alternate roads in case of a detour, accident,etc. I also look for rivers I will cross and highways with route numbers and other landmarks, which helps me know that I am half way, almost there, still headed the right way etc. I avoid toll roads because of the high speed, limited access and limited "pull-offs". Some of my anxiety is my fear of being "stuck" in traffic, between exits, etc. It helps me to have a cell phone, and I have no problem stopping to ask directions if I feel unsure if I'm still on the right track ( I don't wait until I'm lost). I make sure I have enough cash or credit to stay at a hotel/motel, for food or public transportation to get home if need be, and a bottle of water or tea. I carry classical music, which is very relaxing for me and it helps some. I give myself extra time, and most importantly for me is knowing all I have to do is turn around and head home (the anxiety always abates on the trip home) even though I have never turned around remembering it is an option helps.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Take baby steps for a little while until you feel comfortable driving around other people. You may be surprised to heart that fear of driving is fairly common. Many people develop anxiety around driving on highways, over bridges, or just being in a car in general. You may find that you have become hyper-alert when in a car, to the extent that it actually makes driving more difficult. Because driving is essentially an unconscious activity (you don't think about shifting gear, or pressing the brake), too much anxiety can interfere with the smooth operation of the car. When this happens, people often start to doubt their ability to drive, further increasing anxiety levels. Overcome fear of driving will help retrain your mind to relax when at the wheel while retaining a safe level of focus. You are a much safer driver when you are relaxed than when you are stressed, as you probably know.

Answer 4

Fear can often be because you don't feel in control of the situation. I would suggest that you try and enrol for advanced driving lessons. Sounds a bit drastic, but need not cost the earth and don't have to necessarily take a test. It just helps with defensive driving and anticipation. It is the anticipation which helps so that it doesn't come as a shock when some other driver does something stupid. It helps you to concentrate and makes you feel more in control, not only that but if you did pass the test it could reduce your insurance. It doesn't mean you have to drive fast, but makes you look further ahead than the normal driver would. Practice does make perfect and it is only by going out and practicing that you may overcome your fear, but you need someone to help. Get in touch with the Institute of Advanced Motorists or look on their website....Good luck

Answer 5

I have the same thing, and I have had it for years. You don't have to feel bad about being scared to drive, you just have to learn how to manage it and overcome it a little bit. I chew gum a lot when I drive, because for some reason it helps me concentrate. It also helped to get a cell phone, because now I feel like if I get lost somewhere and I don't know where I am, I can call a friend to give me some help over the phone. As other people said, it helps to have detailed directions, and don't feel bad about driving slow when you're in a new area- sometimes you have to. If someone is tailgating you, gradually slow down and pull over (using the turn signal) and let them pass. You don't have to let them antagonize you, and someday they'll learn their lesson.

If it makes you feel any better, you are probably a much better driver than your boyfriend, because he is likely to get someone killed if he keeps up that behavior. Being afraid of driving is a problem, but I'd much rather see you on the road than an overly aggressive driver.

Answer 6

You need to go out driving with someone you completely trust in the passenger seat. First, decide on a place to go and look at a good map with your friend. Please stay off of highways if it scares you to drive the speed limit or keep pace with traffic - you'll only create more problems. What you need to do is work up to being comfortable with following maps and reading signs and asking for directions if you get disoriented. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Remember - get a trusted, calm friend to go with you and help you navigate.

It's actually quite a wonderful feeling to be able to find your way somewhere. Most places have excellent signs - you just need to learn what to look for. I recently took my first lone business trip, rented a car from the airport, and found my way through the highways in California all by myself for the first time! It was a fantastic feeling to be able to do that. Now I can drive anywhere!

Answer 7

I think I wrote this, but I don't remember doing it! I'm the same way. I hate going places I've never been to before and the freeway scares the willies out of me. I had to drive from S.E. Wisconsin to Indianapolis last year through Chicago traffic - and back in one day. I about died. On the other hand, I drove over 2000 miles down I-90 to be with my b/f. He usually comes along when we have to go any distance to somewhere I'm not familiar with. I've been taking things in little steps. First I found the grocery store, then the mall, etc. Go to someone's house who lives close a few times. It gets easier with practice.

Answer 8

It sounds like you don't so much have a fear of driving as you do a fear of your boyfriends driving.
He sounds like a real prick.Anyone who has such a disregard of his passengers comfort,not to mention the well-being of other drivers,shouldn't be allowed to drive.
Take stock in yourself,and get to know the roads in your neighborhood.Your confidence in your own driving skills will increase as you hone them.

Answer 9

First step: dump your a**hole boyfriend. He obviously doesn't care about your feelings - knowing it scares you and driving like that? That's awful.

Anyways, my mom is like you, and I got some of it from her. I just kept telling myself that it was silly and drove anyways, even getting lost sometimes. Because after getting lost, I found my way back and still lived. In unfamiliar places, I drive in the slow lane to get away from the people that know where they're going and want to get there fast. They leave you alone in the slow lane. (Most of the time). Now I barely get nervous. I do make sure I get REALLY detailed directions before I go somewhere new.

Answer 10

Threaten to break up with him unless he slows down . If that doesn't work. You know what to do. A guy like that is just asking for it. Your fear can be lessened if you went on a long trip with an experianced driver. Trust me you have to push though it this way.