How to calm yourself while driving?

Question

I'm working on getting my Learner's Permit right now, and today I was driving home from school with my Mom. An ambulance came up behind me and was trying to get around, so my mom told me to turn on my right signal and get onto the side of the road. She was unclear in telling me what to do, and I thought she meant I needed to be totally out of the lane (there was lots of oncoming traffic). So, I don't even know WHY I did this, but I really quickly and spur of the moment peel into a driveway on the left (going through the oncoming lane as cars were trying to drive) and almost hit a telephone poll. I wasn't even consciously thinking of what I was doing. It just happened. I suffer from panic attacks and I'm afraid I'm starting to get them when I drive now. So I ask you...

How can I calm myself in a car so I can think more clearly?

What can I do to feel less scared-sh*tless about driving now? Because I pretty much spent the whole afternoon crying just thinking about driving/cars...

thanks

Answer 1

im sorry to hear that, well all i can tell ya is practice makes perfect , so just keep practicing, your a new driver dont worry over time youll get over your fear

Answer 2

The only thing that keeps me calm is knowing that I don't carry a gun while I am driving (at least not during hunting season).

Now if you panic that quickly - you really shouldn't be driving.  Think about the safety of those around you.

Answer 3

Just try to calm down and don't go wrecklessly swerving off the road anymore unless it's the only way to avoid hitting something.  All you have to worry about is staying in your lane, stopping at lights and stopsigns, and not hitting anything in front of you. Trust that people behind you will do the same. And take your time. If it's too late to make the turn or something, just go around the block.  and always remember, DON'T TAILGATE. Following too closely is a sure way to get in an accident.

Answer 4

aww im really sorry to hear that,glad youre physically okay.

I play my fav cd,if i have to drive on the highway(which I hate),I ask my gaurdian angel to watch over me and keep me safe.

good luck,it will get better...

Answer 5

No bullshit, PLEASE practice on side roads until you're comfortable behind the wheel. Playing arcade size video game racing simulators you sit in would probably help you sharpen your reflexes with virtual phone poles, too.

Practice, practice, practice. Recognize your weaknesses and ALWAYS remember that you're controlling a two-ton missile that can kill a human in milliseconds.

Good post.

Answer 6

First off relax you need to calm down, all you need to remember is watch in front of you, watch behind you check your mirrors every few seconds, if your ready to make a lane change make sure check your mirrors also look over your shoulder to check your blind spot,  if that happens again with ems behind you try to get over to the right lane if there's more than one lane.  If there's only one lane then get on the shoulder and let them pass.  I remember one time I was driving an ambulance was beside me and I didn't even notice it until they hit the siren I had to stop on the left side of the road since I couldn't get over, the objective when you see  ems a siren or lights running get into a lane so they can pass try to make it the right lane and stop once you get over.  Try to watch the telephone poles to I mean the important thing is you and the car is unharmed, all I can say is relax and think before you do something like going in front of an oncoming car.  Whenever I'm stuck in traffic getting frustrated the radio helps I'm sure it could help for you also, roll down the windows take a deep breath and relax.  Good Luck you'll be fine just think before you make any big moves or if you don't understand what your mom means ask her to explain it.  again good luck.

Answer 7

Wow, sounds like a scary moment...glad you're okay, though, :)

Would listening to your favorite music help? It might help sooth you...or at least get your mind off worrying about things...

Good luck!