I'm scared of the motorway?

Question

Tomorrow i've got to travel to Swindon from Reading and i hate the motorway i've only been on it for like 2 mins before ahh plus its in the morning so its gunna be a nightmare im so scared! what should i do? how can i calm my nerves plz help x

Answer 1

It was years after I first passed my test that I dared venture onto a motorway so I know where you are coming from (no pun intended!), but now I do then really frequently. It is scary, but it is not as scary as it is in your head.

My tip would be to leave yourself plenty of time. It took me ages to have the confidence to change lanes and pass other cars, and so the first few times if I got behind a caravan doing 50 in the slow lane, then I sat behind it at 50! Don't feel pressured to make manoeuvres your not happy with, and as I say, as long as you leave yourself plenty of time you shouldn't feel the need to do anything more than you are completely happy with.

Good luck with it, and you never know, you mind find yourself enjoying it sometime!

Answer 2

Motorways (Amer. Highways) are ABSOLUTELY the safest roads. Big, wide lanes, NOTHING coming towards you, no sharp corners or blind summits. I take it you will do about 60 on a dual carriageway....same principle, just 10mph difference. If you haven't caused a fatality by being an overly cautious driver so far in your driving career - there is no reason to fear a long section of tarmac because it is designated 'M' for motorway. If you still have some difficulties, go out for a 'practice' run with a calm friend who is insured to drive your car. Stick to about 60 or 70 and take your time & overtake a few HGV's (50mph) - DOUBLE check your mirrors / blind spots as it's not unknown for a 'rep-rocket' aka Vectra to storm up behind you. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Then don't go on the motorway. I used to live at Thatcham before I moved to Yorkshire and I used to work in Reading. Get yourself onto the A4 heading towards Calcot and go over the M4 and head towards Newbury. Follow the road ahead at the Robin Hood roundabout and carry on to Hungerford. Go through Hungerford and as the road widens there is a turning to the right towards Chilton Foliat. If you take that road and follow the signs you will end up in Swindon.
Easy Peasy...

Answer 4

hi, I have exactly the same problem. I hate being a passenger let alone the actual driver!!!
I find taking some sweets with you, like mints, hard boiled sweets, or chewy sweets. Mints especially calm you down. Have your music on, not too loud though. Good cheesy songs that you can sing along too.
All of those ideas should help take your mind off the fact you are on the motorway, and just think of it as a long drive instead. Hope that helps. Good journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

Don't worry chick - most people are scared of the motorways at some point - I was when I first passed my test. My advice is just stay in the slow lane and just go at your own pace. Lotsa luck! x

Answer 6

YOU DONT HAVE TO USE THE MOTORWAY! - there is a road from Reading to Oxford (A4074) - at Oxford you can join the two-lane A420 that goes all the way to Swindon

Journey is about 45 miles, to be honest it can't be much less than that on the M4.

Answer 7

You need to relax and know you are safer on there than on country roads. If it's you driving just keep to the speed and be extra careful. I am sure you be fine.
If you have to be somewhere at a certain time then start out earlier to avoid the rush hour.

Answer 8

You will be fine, I know that stetch quite well, good that your going in morning really as won't be as fast, just stay to the left and stick to your speed, I was the same as you when I started, you will soon less nervous with practice, good luck

Answer 9

As this was posted 4 days ago I'm dying to know how it went? Did you manage ok? The more you practice the easier it gets.

Answer 10

relax and think of swindon lol u'll be there as soon as pos lol hope i'd helped u if not sox