Statistics suggest that around 60% of people are affected by driving-related anxiety. Countless people that already struggle with anxiety can be triggered by driving, and for others it can be specific to this activity.
Unfortunately, for many of us, driving is an inevitability. This means that learning to overcome and cope with driving anxiety is essential for functioning in their day-to-day lives.
Luckily, this is something that can be handled. Here are some important steps to take.
Get Professional Help
First of all, it’s important that you build confidence in your driving abilities. The first step to achieving this is to make sure you’ve had professional training from a reputable school like the Ferrari Driving School Brooklyn NY.
Not only will this prove to you that your driving skills are good enough to legally be on the road, but it’ll also help you practice your skills and learn how to handle various situations you might encounter while behind the wheel.
Start With Small Drives
When you’re trying to conquer any fear, taking baby steps always helps. Trying to overcome driving anxiety by committing to a huge road trip might not be the optimal solution.
Instead, try out some small, short drives to get used to the feeling. Practice trips to the grocery store or to the gym, and bring along a trusted friend or family member to help calm your nerves. Once you’ve completed a trip with a companion once or twice, try it out on your own.
Get Familiar with Your Car
Driving anxiety is often more easily overcome when you own your own car and can get used to the way it feels. Driving an unfamiliar vehicle can often be nerve wracking even for seasoned confident drivers!
Spend time getting to understand the controls and features of your car so you feel more confident making decisions on the road. It’s also important that you take your car in for routine maintenance so you can feel confident and secure that it’s always in good working order.
Acknowledge Your Anxiety and Practice Relaxation Techniques
Sometimes, simply acknowledging your anxiety can help you to overcome what you’re feeling. Accept that this is something you feel anxious about and understand that it’s a normal feeling to have. Don’t resent yourself for this, but rather make peace and commit to working through it.
Practicing relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or focused mindfulness before you get behind the wheel (or while you’re driving) can help you keep your nerves under control.
Get Support
It’s totally normal to struggle with this and reaching out for help is a good thing. Talk to friends and family about what you’re feeling and build a support system you can lean on.
If you think it might help, seeking therapy from a licensed professional can help you understand your anxious feelings and teach you techniques that will help you overcome them with time. You can even find online communities where other anxious drivers may share their tips and success stories to help you along your journey.
