Most people do not know this but there is a thing known as driving phobia. Around 10% of people actually suffer from phobias at the moment, including anxiety for driving. Driving phobia is so often irrational, a clear form of anxiousness. In many cases causes are not known and the main signs noticed are panic attacks, depressed feelings, sweats, headaches, pain, nausea, difficulty to swallow, sleeping troubles, nightmares featuring driving and an increased sensitivity to anything.
Obviously, overcoming driving phobia is a necessity before you will drive. If we look at infographics with statistics from sites like Infographics Graphics we can notice that there are more accidents happening than we might believe. Such stats do not help so if you want to get rid of the phobia, you can try the following.
Check Eyes
This is always a necessity. A part of the insecurities you feel may be the fact you will not be able to see some dangerous objects until you hit them. Reading traffic signs is a necessity but if you suffer from driving phobia you will want to see farther away. Check your eyes and be sure that you see well. This offers comfort that you can see what will be in front of you without delays.
Take Safe Driving Courses
Taking such a course should be obligatory according to some and we cannot argue with the fact that it is really useful. Such a course is going to drastically increase confidence because you know everything about what safe driving practices have to be used as you are behind the wheel.
You want to do all that you can in order to lessen tension before driving. As an example, some people want to jump on a treadmill or perform something that requires concentration. Irrational driving fear bases basically have to be thrown away. You want to reduce thinking about driving and start informal conversations that are about simple topics. The idea is to practically keep the mind diverted.
Do A Car Check
Check the gas tank to be sure it is full, your registration, your toll money and license before you go. Prepare the clothes one night before departure date and use the bathroom as you are ready to go inside the car. The idea is to eliminate various things that you could think about and that would bother you as you are driving. Since you are anxious as you will drive, not bothering about the things mentioned helps.
Plan The Route In Detail
The route that you will take should be planned before you live. This is useful if you use GPS or you do not. If you want to feel ready you can schedule driving times so that traffic is less busy. As an example, leave for work earlier in order to avoid rush hours. See what routes have increased truck traffic and reroute.
See A Psychologist
While most people are afraid of psychologists, you want to go see one that is specialized in dealing with people that have phobias. The truth is that driving phobia can be treated and the work of the psychologists can be so much more helpful than what you may think at first glance. Just make sure the one you choose is experienced with people that are in your situation.
