Why I am so scared of driving?

Question

Almost a year ago, I had my first car accident. I am 33, so I have been driving for a long time before that. But ever since the accident, I am afraid of driving to places that I am not familiar. I'm just talking about other parts of town, not really that far. I will only go to work, the grocery store, and that is it. I thought this would pass, but it has been almost a year. I am also very leery about merging into traffic on a highway or turning unless I have the right of way or the turning arrow. If I need to make a left hand turn on the street that I live, I have to cross over a lane of traffic and I practically get an anxiety attack. I was never this scared of driving since the accident. How can I get over this? It is really affecting my life. I have to drive across town tonight and I'm thinking about canceling. WHat will happen if I ever have to switch jobs and drive to another area?

Answer 1

i know how you feel iam still recovering from a near fatality. when i first got behind the wheel i was paranoid. but slowly i have overcome my fears. it is a very traumatic thing to happen and not an experience i would care to repeat. try to drive as the police do give yourself a running commentary you will be surprised at what this does for you. good luck

Answer 2

The law of averages caught up with you...In 2005, there were over 10 MILLION police reported crashes in the US...There are so many people driving in this country that everybody will plunk or get plunked at least once in their lifetime...It is just a fact of life.

The best thing for you to do is to always make sure that you have enough time to get wherever you're going...For left turns, find out if there are any left turn lanes available and use them...Find a place farther down the road that does not have as much traffic and make a left turn there, then come back out, make a right turn, go to your intersection and make a right turn.

If you are unfamiliar with the roads while driving at night, don't drive...Call a cab or a friend, make other arrangements...It would be better to have peace of mind than a gut wrenching experience.

Answer 3

I have an aunt like that.  My best advice is to do you best to get to the appointment across town tonight and then reward yourself when it goes well.  Kinda like get back up on the horse.  If that does not work, then you probably should go talk to someone.

Good luck

Answer 4

Hey, don't feel bad. I'm scared to death of driving as well. I'm 24 and still haven't gotten my liscense! I am so afraid!

Answer 5

See a doctor, they can give you drugs for that. Problem is, you probably shouldn't drive while on them.