While driving can certainly be stressful in some situations, for others it can be a major source of worry. Driving anxiety is something which can make it difficult to even sit in the driver’s seat, let alone actually drive. However, there are some ways in which this anxiety can be reduced…
Driving Anxiety: Causes, Prevention, and Management
What causes anxiety?
There’s a whole lot of potential causes for driving anxiety. For instance, if you already have general anxiety, then it could bleed over into your driving as well. Or, it could come about after an accident. Many drivers who were in a wreck tend to be much more anxious about getting back behind the wheel.
Sometimes, it can also be caused based on the driving situation. Some people get anxious when they drive in construction areas, or on unfamiliar roads. Trying to respond to the changes on the road while watching for other drivers can be overwhelming, and in turn, cause very anxious feelings.
Start off small
The thing about driving anxiety is that it won’t get better unless you do some actual driving. Of course, this can be nerve-wracking, and lead to more anxiety over just thinking about it. However, you don’t have to head right out onto the highway. Instead, you want to start off small.
Try to drive in areas which are safe and slow. For example, maybe you can take a few trips around your neighborhood. Then, you can start to take trips out into nearby towns, before getting back onto the highways. Starting off small can help you start to get a grip on that anxiety.
Take it easy
How you drive can also impact your driving anxiety. If you’re speeding, then your anxiety can begin building up over the possibility of a traffic stop, hitting someone, etc. Sometimes, your anxiety might even cause you to slip into these bad habits. Therefore, you want to take it easy when driving.
Keep calm and remember the basics of driving. Stick to the speed limit, use your turn signal, check blind spots, and do everything else that safe drivers do. If you know you’re driving safely, then that anxiety can start to calm down and go away.