Minimising Worry When Driving

• What can be the causes?
• Tips to help

Sadly, for some people, driving can cause such high levels of worry or concern, that they can actually prevent, or significantly reduce, their ability to use their cars. This level of fear or distress can mean that they are literally too scared to drive and the resulting symptoms can include anything from minor unease to severe panic attacks, accompanied by an increased heart rate, sweating and trembling.

 

What can be the causes?

The general consensus is that the condition stems from emotional and psychological factors, so understanding the causes is key to addressing the issues.

One of the most common causes is having experienced an accident. Understandably, the memory of a traumatic incident can linger, and that can be frightening and make driving stressful. Even without the distress of a past accident, for some people, the thought of the potential danger, can also make them fearful.

The fear of not being in control, or making a mistake while they are driving, can create a sense of vulnerability, making them over analytical of their actions and surroundings, which again induces stress and anxiety. Likewise, the uncertainty of navigating unknown areas alone and the fear of getting lost, facing unexpected road conditions, or encountering unforeseen challenges can also make driving daunting.

However, without dismissing the issues, which are clearly often more deeply rooted than simply displaying a natural level of caution, and providing there are no underlying medical causes for such anxiety, there are actions that can be taken to minimise these fears and help those affected to drive with greater confidence.

 

Tips to help

If you are a car owner who suffers from this kind of worry when faced with a journey,  identifying and acknowledging the causes, can allow you to find ways to cope with these circumstances more effectively, thereby reducing your overall anxiety.

Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or just sitting quietly can help calm you down and reduce worry before you set off. In addition, regular physical activity is known to reduce anxiety and stress. So, a regular exercise routine could help and make you feel more relaxed and in control while driving.

Begin with short, less stressful drives, perhaps in a quiet, open space or when traffic is light. You might consider taking a friend with you, so if you start panicking you have someone there to help. Using positive affirmations such as, “I am safe,” or “I am in control,” can also help, but if you start to panic or feel uneasy, find a safe place to pull over and park until you are confident to set off again.

After you start to feel more comfortable, you can progressively increase the difficulty of your journey, which, over time, will help you to build your confidence and resilience, making driving feel more manageable, and allowing you to enjoy the freedom your car can provide.