If you have a fear of driving, it can be debilitating. It can make you feel unsafe when on the road, and can even lead to panic attacks.
The good news is that driving phobias are treatable. Behavioral therapy can help you manage your fears and feel safe on the road again.
There are many things that can make you nervous when you’re driving, but practicing safe driving without delay is one of the best ways to overcome your fear. Practice driving safely and defensively, making sure to signal in advance, follow the rules of the road, stay focused on the road and don’t get distracted.
Overcoming your driving anxiety will be a long process, but it’s worth the effort to improve your safety and peace of mind on the road. Start by identifying the nature of your driving fear.
Some people develop a driving phobia as a result of being in a car accident or seeing a car crash on television or in movies. Others develop it as a result of general anxiety.
If you’re unsure how to identify your driving anxiety, talk to a mental health provider. They can recommend a variety of treatments to help you overcome your fear. They can also refer you to a therapist or coach that specializes in treating phobias and anxiety.
There are many things that you can do to relax and take control of your emotions when you're driving. One way to do this is by using a simple breathing technique.
Start by taking a deep breath in through your nose until your diaphragm is full of air, then hold it for a few seconds and slowly exhale. Repeat this five to 10 times in a row to help your brain and body feel more relaxed.
Practicing these techniques before you need to drive will be very helpful in keeping you calm and in control of your emotions during the stressful moments.
You should also try and avoid drinking coffee or any other caffeinated drink before you drive, as this can trigger your anxiety. This will help keep you feeling less anxious and make your drive much safer.
Psychiatrists are trained to handle many aspects of mental health and are experienced in diagnosing phobias. They may recommend a combination of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, and support groups.
During your first session with a psychiatrist, they will ask you questions about your history and current symptoms. They will also look at your medical and mental health records.
They’ll also make observations about your level of consciousness, physical symptoms, motor activity, emotional state, and expressions. They’ll refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to help diagnose your condition.
Oftentimes, fear of driving is the result of a past traumatic experience, such as a car accident or assault while driving. Other causes include modeling and genetics.
Defensive driving is the practice of using safe, informed driving strategies to anticipate and prevent road hazards. These strategies include identifying road and weather conditions, assessing potential threats and reacting quickly to avoid collisions and other dangers.
Taking a defensive driving course can be an effective way to regain confidence in your ability to drive. It also can reduce points on your license and lower your insurance rates.
There are many defensive driving courses available, from online to classroom. It's important to research each one and make sure it meets your needs.
Defensive driving courses can help you improve your driving skills and learn how to better manage negative psychological factors that might affect your driving such as fatigue, emotional stress, and road rage. They may also provide instructions on how to increase your focus and enhance your driving attitude.