Driving Lessons for Anxious Drivers
Driving Lessons for Anxious Drivers
Did
you know that driving a car is one of the riskiest things a human can do? In
the year 2021 an accurate figure of 1,123 car crash deaths were reported
in Australia
by www.bitre.gov.au. More shocking than that is the fact, this
figure comes as an increase of 2.6% in car crashes compared to the previous
year. In another article published by www.anxietyaustralia.com.au,
a survey carried out in 2014 discovered that over 79% Australians out of
a thousand, had fears about driving. This has resulted in some age groups not
willing to take up any form of driving. And finally, meeting with a motor car
accident is among the second most feared things in Australia. However dire this
may seem, there is a silver lining behind the fear factor. And it comes in the
form of proper driver training. Lets look at this later on, but for now, the
most important factor is getting over the fears and anxiety. This is a line
every learner driver must learn to cross.
What can we do to overcome our fears?
If
you’re feeling nervous about getting behind the wheel, have you actually
thought about why you feel that way? Lets explore some of the more often
reasons that people feel anxious.
A recent accident:
This could be the number one reason why many drivers are anxious or nervous
when they are behind the wheel. Encountering an accident causes indelible
stress and memories that make a person feel nervous when they are behind the
wheel again. While some accidents can be amount to a slight ‘fender bender’
incident, others might of a more drastic nature where even fatalities
occur. However minor or horrendous the accident may have been, the follow up
sentiments relating to the crash might affect the driver on different levels.
It is reported that 22% of people who had encountered a car crash
experienced way more worry and stress as well as a drop in confidence
after a collision. Women in particular who had a car crash were more
susceptible than their male counterparts who had faced a similar incident.
Inexperienced even
after passing the driving test: Maybe you’ve just passed your driving test with
flying colors and you’re ready to hit the road on your own. The day comes when
you belt yourself in and you throw the car into gear and start moving. But then
it hits you…you freeze! This set of symptoms affects thousands of new drivers
every year around the globe. Many new drivers face this situation during their
first drive after qualifying. It is in most instances related to the lack of
confidence to drive the vehicle alone.
Criticism: If you’re
in the company of others while driving, and someone among them begins to share
their thoughts on driving and even worse, criticize the way you’re driving,
then that’s not be the best person to be sharing car space with. Being
critical of a new driver is not only distracting, but also causes mental
distress that can lead to meeting with an accident or simply cause undue
stress and lasting negativity. Although not spoken about much, this comes as an
unpleasant and undeniable reality in some cases of anxiety.
Aging: As we age, our
reflexes, eye sight and hearing may be slightly or profoundly impaired. This
may cause anxiety to set in. Being unsure about ones physical capabilities can
be unnerving and certainly affect the way a person drives.
Other physical
conditions: Disabilities or differently abled persons may also be prone to
anxieties when it comes to driving. Based on their history of physical or
mental capabilities, independent observation and regular follow-up should be
monitored. Recommendations by a physician will provide insight to the disabled
persons ability to cope with driving.
Overcoming anxiousness
How do we overcome
anxiousness when driving? The number one key to this question, is ‘starting
early’ and ‘start learning with the right instructor’. As
we get older, our adaptability wears down. Starting to learn driving at an
early age can really instill the confidence a student needs to have. As a
beginner, pick the right instructor for the job. There are many driving lesson
schools out there, but do your research, search the internet for the best
reviews and customer testimonials which will provide superb insight as well as
give you the perspective of other learner drivers too. Picking the right
instructor is critical in creating a confidence enriched attitude for driving.
Over crowded roads and
too many traffic lights in city traffic causes much of the already anxious to
be even more excited. Instead try to use less populated roads, such as
outlining ones. They might be a little longer of a route, but yet will save you
the stress of driving. Try relaxing exercises. Forms of meditation, relaxing
music and even having a warm beverage before driving could calm your nerves.
Plan your journey ahead. Early planning and looking at a map before driving
will give you the confidence to arrive at your destination without worry. Keep
away from distractions. This is very important, especially for new drivers.
Keep your phone on silent or better still, switch it off till you complete your
trip. A ringing phone or message notification can distract and make you lose
concentration. Another form of distraction can be overly vocal passengers. If
you’ve got ‘loud’ passengers, tell them politely that you would like to
concentrate on your driving and a little quietness would be appreciated. On the
contrary a relaxing chat might even help, but not loud, noisy distracting talk.
If you’re a person with disabilities or differently abled, a notification on
the outside of the car to let others know, would be a good way to notify other
drivers who are unaware of a differently abled person is at the wheel and may
try to horn and make it difficult for you on the road.
Obnoxious drivers who
aren’t courteous might cut in or swerve intentionally if they are not notified
of a person who is just getting used to their vehicle. These are some tips that
will help nervous drivers overcome their anxiety and fear. Hope these will help
you to start driving better and more relaxed. Wish you all the best and a fun
drive to arrive at your destination safely.
These are some tips
that will help nervous drivers overcome their anxiety and fear. Hope these will
help you to start driving better and more relaxed. Wish you all the best and a
fun drive to arrive at your destination safely.
Conclusion
It is evident that
stress and anxiety can and will be a part of the driving experience. How it
affects people is debatable on many levels, even if evaluated professionally.
Dr Joanne Taylor in her post on www.smh.com.au says ‘driving anxiety is
very treatable but many people would not seek help because of shame’. This is a
fact that stays true to this day. Remember anxiety is treatable and can be
easily overcome, if the person concerned takes the appropriate steps to correct
it.
Overcome your driving
anxiety with DOS Driving School. Our
patient and understanding instructors will guide you through every step,
building your confidence and turning fear into freedom. Enroll today and take
control of the road.
Phone: 03 8738 5185
Email:
info@dosdriving.com.au
Mobile: 0490 049 705
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