Do you feel anxious every time you get inside the car?
Driving a vehicle could be a terrible experience for some people. They feel nervous every time they get inside car. It’s a psychological condition which often called as panic attack.
A panic attack is when someone experience too much apprehension and their body can’t function well and loses focus. They are afraid to drive in an open space and they tend to lose control. Drivers may also feel that they are causing danger to other people, that’s why they stop driving.
A panic attack can also happen for some people who have been in the driving industry for so long. A good driving experience can easily be erased because of a bad incident. The awful experience is causing the subconscious mind to react and feel panic. When these things happen, a driving anxiety can occur.
There are some instances in which driving anxiety is caused by having a strict driving instructor or a terrifying training experience. In obtaining your truck licence, choosing the right driving school is essential to acquire skills not just another source of anxiety.
School of Transport listed some tips on how to overcome fear of driving:
1. Be Calm and Relax
Whether the truck is moving or not, you should feel safe and comfortable. Wearing cosy shirts and shoes will help you feel more relaxed. Go inside the truck and try to calm yourself before doing the driving. This is a good exercise to prevent panic from rising.
2. Avoid Being Stressed
Stress causes fatigue, anxiety, and lack of attentiveness. It can affect your decision making because you can’t think properly which is vital when driving a truck. Panic attacks are more likely to happen if you’re stress.
3. Drive with a Friend or a Relative
School of Transport suggests that you should drive with someone because it can release the sense of fear. A friend can be your supporter and a family member can give you some encouragement. Since panic attack is more of a mental thing, it is important that you have someone who can give you comfort and ease your tension. That way, you can be able to think well in any situation and prevent driving anxiety. A relative or a friend can also give you some practical driving advice.
4. Seek for a Professional’s Advice
If your anxiety is causing you too much distraction, School of Transport suggests that you should ask for a doctor’s advice. They can give you recommendations like attending a regular session with a counsellor or attending driving school which can give you safe driving lessons.
5. Consider a Qualified Driving School
If you’re not sure of your driving capabilities, you can look for a qualified driving school. This accredited driver trainer will help nervous driver to better understand the do’s and don’ts of driving. They will give you classroom lessons, moral support and one-on-one training in safe places to lessen your fear.
To wrap it out, driving anxiety is manageable and controllable. It will not kill you. It just depends on how you respond to the situation. Having a positive mind, attitude and following these helpful tips can help you escape the fear of driving.
Photo Credits to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ladybugblue/302586258/