Driving Phobia wont go!!

LegacyUser

Hello,

I have a fear of going on motorways and I generally drive where I know, I dont venture to any places I havent been before. Does anyone have any advice on how I can over come this, its really getting me down, I really want to be able to drive where I like and not go into a panic when I get into the car. Thank you

Beruthiel

I think driving on the moterway is easier and safer than any other place.
Have you tried driving on one at 8on a sunday morning? You'd probably be the only driver on it at that time, have someone go with you.

LegacyUser

Hi!

I used to be EXACTLY like you! I've suffered quite badly with panic attacks in general for a long time now and for a long time I would literally have palpitations on the motorway, I used to be convinced I'd faint at the wheel! Now I know this isn't what you probably want to hear, but the only way to get over it is to face the fear. Start, as Beruthial says, early weekend mornings and try to do a motorway trip that way 3-4 times a week, the more you get to know them the less fearsome they'll be.
I'm not going to lie to you, I still get the occasional wibble on the M50 at rush hour but nothing compared with how I used to be. Hiding from a phobia will only cause it to grow, my advice would be just to try mini journeys and build it up. If you start to panic take slow deep breaths and just let the panic wash over you, the more attention you give your panic, the worse it gets. Just acknowledge that it's there and remember that it can't hurt you! I promise if you keep doing it, the fear will fade away!

Marksie

Beruthiel wrote: »

I think driving on the moterway is easier and safer than any other place.
Have you tried driving on one at 8on a sunday morning? You'd probably be the only driver on it at that time, have someone go with you.

In the Uk there used to be lessons available for motorway driving skills.
Have a look around at the driving schools here to see if there is the same.

Mr. Presentable

Beruthiel wrote: »

I think driving on the moterway is easier and safer than any other place.
Have you tried driving on one at 8on a sunday morning? You'd probably be the only driver on it at that time, have someone go with you.

Good advice. Get a qualified driver or an instructor to go with you for comfort.

Plastic Scouser

I was also very scared of driving until recently, particularly on the motorway. But I'd have to echo what the other posters have said - there's no way around it other than practice, practice, practice.

As for sticking to places you know, have you tried using a gps? I found it a great confidence boost as I didn't need to concentrate on the route, just the driving.

Finally, I recently decided that an automatic car was the way to go! The lazy way of driving! I can really concentrate on the road rather than the driving and it's given me much more confidence.

Good luck!

Glowing

Get a SAT NAV!!!

I got one because my sense of direction is appalling! I hated the stress of trying to remember directions, and I'd invariably get lost.

Anyway, I spend 170 euro on a Garmin Sat Nav and I'll never look back! It's incredibly accurate and the relief of knowing you can never get lost again is fantastic!! I can go wherever I want without having to worry about how to get there.

mikemac

Did you post this about two months ago? Your title is "won't go" so maybe that was you
If so, did you take try out any of the advice given?

If it wasn't you then it seems to be a common problem.
But motorways are the safest roads around. Now get a driving instructor and take them with you