If you are someone like me who is perfectly fine sitting on the back seat but develops anxiety, and phobia while holding the steering wheel in your own hands; this article is for you. Feeling apprehensive when you hit the road for the first time is normal and nothing to worry about. This feeling will fade away on its own with time and experience.
However, even after years of practice and safe driving if the fear engulfs you every time sit with the steering in hand; you have a genuine phobia that needs to be addressed. In write up, we will discuss some practical advice that you can put into practice during your next ride on the road.
When you take professional driving lessons in Coffs Harbour from Pass First Go; you receive professional training that reduces your fears on the road and makes you more confident in your own driving skills. You will also learn tips on safe driving and experience to drive safely and responsibly under harsh conditions.
Common driving fears and their causes
While some people show only mild anxiety while driving, some can have severe symptoms that can interfere with their driving skills and reaction time as well. Some of the most common fears that people face are:
- Rash and high speed driving.
- Losing control of the vehicle in harsh conditions.
- Driving alone in unfamiliar areas especially at night.
- Driving when there are larger vehicles on the road.
Some people even fear that they will ever be able to learn how to drive their car and will be forever dependent on others for commuting. Researchers have tried to analyse why these fears appear in the first place and have listed some most common causes to address the symptom of fear.
You could be suffering from anxiety of good performance when it comes to following road rules and safe driving practices. You accumulated the fear post a bad road experience; maybe a major accident in which you or your loved one got hurt.
Your fear might originate from the stress of being around authorities such as police officers or you might be suffering from dystychiphobia; this will create anxiety in any situation that has the potential to cause physical injuries.
Steps to overcome driving anxiety
- Never drive empty stomach.
- Drive when you are well-rested.
- Do not consume caffeinated products to reduce the effects of anxiety.
- Work on your stress levels all through the day. Hitting the gym a few days of the week can make you calmer.
- Consult a therapist to attend VR therapy classes where you face your specific fears in a virtual scenario.
- Face your fears in slow gradual steps.
- Start with low speed driving to allow easy processing of information.
If under any circumstances you feel confused, dizzy, and short of breath; stop driving ASAP and call for help. Also look out for symptoms such as increased palpitations and sweating, feeling of being disoriented, experiencing dry mouth, and heavy perspirations.
It is not safe to drive under such circumstances. Calm down or ask someone else to drive for you. Don’t force yourself; rather take professional help to overcome fear and anxiety.