Driving On Freeway Anxiety

[anil_vijayan]

Couple of years back my wife and I were in a car accident and I feel I still suffer some PTSD.

I have so much fear driving on freeways and when I took the freeway coming back from work I locked up while driving which is scary in itself.

I don't like to speed and when I'm feeling anxious while driving my body locks up, I can't accelerate, or really do anything.

I've been driving for over 15 years and I have no idea how to get rid of this feeling.

This is why I'm joining the group.

Thank you in advance.

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Hi anil_vijayan,

Welcome to the community.

It is understandable that you experience anxiety in the situation associated with your trauma.

I have heard that there are driving instructors who specialize in working with anyone who has had a road trauma. This is for people who already have a drivers license but have lost their confidence. So, this means a few hours with an experienced instructor who understands trauma and anxiety and helps people recover in this setting.

I haven't used that service, just ordinary driving instructors, not anxiety trained, but I did a research in a country I lived at the time and I was positively surprised that they offered it.

Every time I moved country, I had a few hours with an instructor in the new area to get the feel for the place. I changed from right side to left side of the road and at some point I also took lessons specific to driving on a highway. My initial course did not cover it and I needed to practice in a different country so it was really helpful and gave me the confidence needed. My initial anxiety and avoiding highways for a week or two, after getting my license, was no longer necessary. Now I love highways and it was a good investment.

I hope there are schools available that offer that kind of support in your area.

[1Grace Volunteer]

Hi anil_vijayan,

I just want to let you know you're not alone in this frustrating situation. I have extensive driving experience in Canada, the US, Europe, and Japan, but a couple of years ago I suddenly became fearful of highway driving - for no reason. It's quite debilitating, especially since I want to visit friends who live quite far away. When COVID dies down, I'm going to research driving instructors who can help with this. I want to love highway driving. Good luck to you.

[sunandbutterfly]

So sorry to hear of the anxiety that you are feeling. Know that you are not alone.

My Mom hit a deer on her way to work third shift at a local nursing home.

For years, every time she saw a deer near a road, she would panic. At times their were tears. At times, she would help down her window and yell. Other times, she would insist that the car stop. Sometimes she would get shaky.

My Dad was so very patient with her and was able to speak calmly. His gentle reassurance helped. Over time, the incidents became fewer.

Know that this is normal.

Are you able to take a different route? Or is it too far out of the way?

Have you considered seeking the assistance of a licensed counselor?

Hope that helps. Please let me know if you would like additional information or resources.

[EndUser13]

Cars freak me out, they always did. Back when I did drive I was so uptight, I was overly cautious and never drove very fast. When I began to have panic attacks there were a couple of occasions where people thought I was a bit wreckless and it drove me nuts to be behind the wheel anyway, so I quit driving.

Now I live in the middle of nowhere and when I get someone to drive me somewhere, it's one of my biggest fears. Part of that is agoraphobia, part of it is a learned habit.

Sorry, I don't have any worthwhile advice... I just know how nerve-wracking it can be.