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May 12, 2024 · You are conscious of only a very small portion of the information your brain takes in. It is constantly receiving input from your senses – sights, sounds, tastes, smells and touch. When you see a cute puppy or hear your favorite song, your senses send signals to the brain, triggering a chain reaction of thoughts and emotions.
- Overview
- What is driving anxiety?
- Causes of driving anxiety
- Driving anxiety symptoms
- Treatment for driving anxiety
- Alternatives to driving
- Summary
A person may feel anxious about driving for various reasons. A range of tips and treatments can help overcome fear and anxiety around driving.
Past experiences or existing anxiety disorders may contribute to driving anxiety.
Fear or phobia of driving a vehicle may cause a person to feel driving anxiety. It can result in significant distress and impact someone’s everyday life. A person may experience emotional distress while driving and avoid certain situations on the road or driving in general.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that specific phobia is an intense and irrational fear of something that poses little or no real danger. It estimates that 12.5% of American adults experience a specific phobia at some point in their lives.
For someone with driving anxiety, the thought of getting in a car may result in symptoms of anxiety. In addition, a person may try to avoid situations where they need to drive or get into a vehicle. This alone can cause additional symptoms of stress or anxiety.
It is important to note that driving anxiety is not an official condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). However, a person may have a phobia associated with driving anxiety. Amaxophobia is a fear of being in a vehicle either as a passenger or driver, and vehophobia is a fear of driving.
For some people, driving anxiety may result from being in a road accident or witnessing one. However, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), most driving phobias are not related to an experience with an accident.
Below are some common fears and causes of anxiety about driving.
People with driving anxiety may experience the following symptoms, many of which are also indicative of a panic attack:
•a sudden and intense feeling of fear
•sweating, racing heart, and trembling
•feeling nauseous
•dry mouth
•shortness of breath
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) may help someone overcome driving anxiety. The NIMH advises that several types of psychotherapy may help a person identify and change certain emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
A person may wish to speak with a healthcare professional about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, or mindfulness techniques.
Someone with driving anxiety may consider alternatives, such as using public transportation or walking. Walking may be a healthier option for shorter trips.
However, people in rural areas may have less access to public transport, and walking may not be an option for people with certain disabilities.
Driving anxiety is a specific phobia that can affect someone’s mental health and cause anxiety symptoms. It may also restrict a person’s everyday activities.
Possible treatments involve exposure therapy, CBT, or other talk therapies. Some people may decide to use public transportation or walk instead of driving.
- Louisa Richards
- Identify what triggers your driving anxiety. Whether it’s heavy traffic, high speeds, or driving alone, acknowledging these triggers is crucial. Once you’ve identified the causes, you can work on strategies to cope with these circumstances more effectively, reducing overall anxiety.
- Try relaxation techniques before you drive. Grounding techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), or mindfulness can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety levels before you head for the car.
- Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity is known to reduce anxiety and stress. Incorporating a regular exercise routine can help manage anxiety levels, making you feel more relaxed and in control while driving.
- Try visualization before you drive. Before getting on the road, try visualization techniques to help you prepare mentally and emotionally. When you imagine yourself on the road, visualize yourself calm, happy, and in control.
So, this survey discusses about the issues related to traffic rules and with the aim of promoting awareness about traffic rules. Keywords: Traffic rules, traffic problems, stress, attitudes, perceptions
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Oct 26, 2017 · Have you ever noticed that regardless of whether you are actually in a rush, you drive as if you are in a rush? Traffic jams make you cranky and irritated. Too many red lights in a row lead to agitation.
