Anxiety about driving may arise following a road traffic accident, a near miss or unpleasant driving experience – but for some fearful people, there is no known cause. Fear can be developed as early as childhood by the observation of anxiety in a parent who is driving or even by a negative association with an event that is no longer remembered.
Types of specific driving anxiety include:
- Fear of loss of control. Some individuals who fear driving have recurrent thoughts of its potential for danger, and sometimes, this can focus on feared loss of control – not being able to control a car because of thoughts that one is not good enough.
- Panic. Individuals may feel bodily sensations such as shortness of breath, shakiness, palpitations, chest pain, sweating or a dry mouth. Most of these symptoms may relate to acute anxiety. These symptoms in turn set up a feeling that there is a serious health problem, creating a vicious circle of increasing anxiety and greater symptoms, causing panic. However, such anxiety is usually associated with increase in the heart rate and raised blood pressure. Chest pain may be caused by tension of muscles in the chest region. Nevertheless, when these symptoms occur, it is important that a health check is carried out by one’s doctor, in order that any serious illness can be investigated.
- A previous accident. For some individuals, having a road traffic accident can produce a loss of confidence and an increased tendency to feel anxious when driving or travelling in a car. This anxiety may be reduced over time, but some people need special help. (See below.)
- Fear of incompetence. This may be a reflection of anxiety about getting things wrong, or letting others down. The three ‘A’s of Anger, Assertiveness and Anxiety can be interrelated. Researchers consider that men are more prone to express problems outwardly in the form of aggression or anger, whereas women more likely turn difficulties inwards - self-blaming and feeling anxious. Learning to recognise these difficulties and their triggers is an essential part of the solution.
- Generalized anxiety. Because everyone is interested in self preservation, and knows that driving can be a dangerous activity, some people conclude that it is best avoided.
Treatment
Specialized assistance is needed to treat this anxiety.
Firstly, if any physical symptoms are felt, such as chest pain, blurred vision or palpitations, it is important to have a complete medical examination to eliminate any serious medical condition.
Although anxiety itself is unpleasant, it can be controlled and minimized. People can learn to recognize that the vicious circle of panic followed by driving anxiety can be broken. The help of a sympathetic driving professional can be valuable here; he or she can lead people through tasks that a counselor or psychologist cannot. People can be taught to spot potential problems, drive defensively, plan ahead to avoid difficulties, and gain a realistic sense of control and better understanding of the car and the driving process. A driving professional can help individuals to make a more objective assessment of their driving skills, and address any shortfalls. Positive encouragement and helpful feedback are essential components of this process.
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