• October 27, 2018 /
• Driving /
• By admin /
• 0 Comments

Vehophobia is the fear of driving that can be triggered due to many reasons which include, and are not limited to, past negative experiences, accidents, driving alone, being trapped in closed spaces, losing control, panic attacks and irrational fear associated with roads and moving vehicles.  The anxiety associated with driving is acknowledged by psychologists worldwide.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, almost 18.1% of the total US population suffers from anxiety disorders which are the most common type of mental illness in the US.

How do you deal with this fear of driving that hinders everyday living? Let’s discover some tricks to conquering driving phobia to help you become a better, conscious driver.

Acknowledge Your Anxiety and Seek Therapy

The best thing you can do for your anxiety is to acknowledge that you are facing it.

Know that you are not alone in your journey towards managing your anxiety. There are about 40 million adults in the US experiencing different kinds of anxiety disorders and only 36% of those getting the treatment that they need.

Be part of the bandwagon that drives toward acceptance and change. Visit a psychologist and seek therapy from an expert.

They will help you identify your anxiety triggers associated with driving. A unique treatment planwill be explored which includes breathing exercises and cognitive therapy to alter your thinking and induce positive behavioral change.

Arm Yourself with Information

Knowledge is power. You are in control of a situation if you have the relevant information to deal with the problem at hand.

Deal with your fear of driving by learning everything about cars and driving basics. Join a driving institute and learn from a classroom education and practical demonstrations.

Familiarize yourself with traffic laws and road safety guidelines. Know your way around your neighborhood to navigate easily.

Climb That Fear Ladder 

Face your fears head on! Don’t shy away from that busy intersection or the 5 p.m. rush hour traffic.

However, to be able to reach the top and come out strong, you have to take the first step. Start small; sit in a parked car in your driveway. Put your hands on the steering wheel and feel the rush that comes with being in control.

Move on to bigger tasks as you gradually climb up that fear of ladder.Put the key in the ignition; hear the roar of the car coming to life. Drive around your neighborhood and gradually move to driving around commercial areas and highways.

Practice Makes Perfect

Take your car out for a spin, not just to go about your day, but to consciously practice your driving skills.

Once you master the art of driving, you will develop confidence in your abilities to handle every situation that comes your way.

Start practice-driving in a spacious neighborhood parking lot. Take an experienced driver to accompany you who can provide you with emotional support and expert critique.

Gradually move on to your neighborhood roads and drive around the familiar streets. Speed up safely to get on the main roads. Drive past crowded intersections and make a pit stop at your favorite coffee shop. Celebrate small achievements.

Next, buckle up for the highway. It is the scariest of all places for people with vehophobia.  There are cars and trucks driving on the same road. Stay within the speed limit to be able to safely overtake other vehicles.Signal your turns with the blinking indicator lights and smoothly change lanes. Stay out of people’s blind spots and keep a safe distance between vehicles.

Repeat Positive Affirmations

Cope with your anxiety by tricking your mind and repeating positive statements out loud. While on the road, keep your eyes peeled on the road and chant the mantras. ‘I know what I am doing’; ‘I am within the speed limit’; ‘I don’t have to drive fast to prove my skill.’ ‘This is not a game I have to win’.

Severe anxiety can make you doubt your skills as a driver. If you’re searching for a driving institute to offer you the highest standard of driving education, we’re here to help!

Our driving school offers professional driving classes with expert and friendly instructors in Arizona.

Contact our driving school to enroll in different driving lesson programs offered in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Temple, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Avondale, and Youngtown, Az.