text or call for a Free Consultation
If you feel anxious every time you get behind the wheel, you’re not alone. Driving is a triggering source of anxiety for many drivers. Whether it’s the fear of getting into an accident or experiencing aggressive drivers, the stress of being behind the wheel can be overwhelming.
At Shapiro Law Team, we know how important it is to stay calm behind the wheel. Let’s explore what driving anxiety is and how you can overcome it.
Yes. The fear of driving is so common that it has its own name. Even though it’s hard to determine the exact percentage, it’s estimated that about one out of every 10 adults has amaxophobia.
Driving anxiety refers to the intense fear or worry one feels when driving or even thinking about driving. Symptoms of driving anxiety can range from mild unease to full-blown panic attacks. It’s important to recognize the signs of driving anxiety early on to address the underlying issue and prevent it from disrupting your daily life—both on and off the road.
Certain driving maneuvers can induce anxiety more than others. While these can vary from person to person, some common anxiety-inducing maneuvers include merging onto highways, parallel parking, driving in heavy traffic, navigating unfamiliar routes, and encountering road rage.
It’s important to identify your triggers so that you can develop strategies to help overcome your fears.
Now that you know what driving anxiety is, let’s delve into nine techniques you can implement to help ease and overcome your anxiety.
Can you pinpoint what makes you anxious? Understanding the underlying cause of your driving anxiety helps you confront your fears. Causes can be anything from a traumatic experience, lack of confidence, or fear of losing control. Acknowledging these concerns is the first step toward solving the issue.
Consider seeking professional help if your driving anxiety is hindering your ability to function. A therapist or counselor who specializes in anxiety disorders can help you develop and practice certain coping mechanisms that will aid your driving abilities.
Making adjustments to the way you drive can have a big impact on your overall driving experience. Adjust your seat height, distance from the steering wheel, and seat incline until you find a position that feels both safe and comfortable.
Music is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. Create a playlist of calming music or uplift your mood by listening to your favorite bands. Listening to music while on the road can take your mind off of anxious or intrusive thoughts. If you don’t know how to make a playlist, Spotify has plenty of ready-made ones to choose from.
The temperature inside your car can directly affect your stress levels. Adjust the temperature to your liking to help you stay grounded. Whether you blast the air conditioner or the heater, dialing your temperature to your preferred setting is a big help.
Deep breathing exercises have been proven to reduce anxiety. Plus, this is an exercise you can practice safely while behind the wheel. Breathing exercises remind your body that you’re okay and not in danger.
There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself extra time; you just need to do a bit of pre-planning. Plan your trips ahead of time—and include time butters—to avoid feeling rushed. This way you’ll have plenty of time to deal with traffic delays or other unexpected road conditions.
Road rage can trigger anxiety in even the calmest of drivers. If you come across an aggressive driver, avoid engaging with them and focus on your own driving. Remember that their behavior is a reflection of their own issues—not your driving skills.
Sometimes, you just need a break. If your anxiety becomes too overwhelming to handle, pull over to a safe area and give yourself time to calm down. Driving while overwhelmed is a safety risk to both yourself and other drivers.
Remember, please consult with your doctor if you have severe driving anxiety. Your doctor can come up with a personalized plan to treat your anxiety and driving fears.
Many drivers experience anxiety due to past trauma. If you have been involved in an accident in Phoenix or Scottsdale, caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury lawyers at Shapiro Law Team. We advocate for your rights and fight against any attempts to minimize the value of your claim. Contact us at (480) 613-2077 or request a free consultation online.
