Beating Drivers Anxiety

Suffering from a fear of getting behind the wheel? There are quite a few factors to consider when preparing to confront anxiety while driving. At the forefront of your decision is understanding why you are afraid.

For many people a traumatic event or stress associated with a particular situation on the road is the trigger of the anxiety. It is up to you (and possibly your therapist) to figure out what specifically triggers your feelings of uneasiness.

Fortunately there are some steps you can take right away to overcome fear of driving.

Step One, take your time.

Driving right after the work day ends is a recipe for headaches. Not only do you still have the stress of work on your mind but you have to contend with co workers and likely rush hour traffic. Instead take some time to relax for 15-30 min, in your office before you hit the road. Give yourself ample time to get to any obligations so that you don’t find yourself speeding or swerving to avoid missed turns, slow and steady wins the race.

Step Two, improve your skills.

Brush up with a local driving school; be prepared with a list of driving scenarios that you feel you need to work on. Some schools even offer safe driving courses that can lower your insurance rate, save money and build confidence it’s a win/win situation.

Step Three, master your mind.

Taking control of your mind may sound like a tall order but it really isn’t too hard. Start with breathing exercises, if possible give a yoga or palliates class a try. The structured movement exercises in either fitness regimen, will actually make driving easier by improving dexterity and mental focus.

With patience these three steps will help most people beat the driving jitters, but if you find yourself unable to cope there is no shame whatsoever in contacting a therapist. Good luck and drive safe.