It’s only been in the last few years that I can drive on highways and interstates without significant driving anxiety. For the majority of my adult life however, I had severe highway driving anxiety.
It used to be impossible for me to pass someone on the highway without having a panic attack. I would always stay in the slow lane, and only pass if I absolutely had to. Three lane highways scared the crap out of me, and I avoided them at all cost. Even being a passenger with my husband driving I used to wonder how the heck did he drive into the city and pass other vehicles so calmly?
I got over my driving anxiety by first deciding that driving on highways and interstates was something I wanted to be able to do. I made it a goal. And then I just went out there and practiced. I did the dreaded highway driving and forced myself to pass cars, or stay in the left lane, even if someone was driving behind me. I stayed in my lane even if a big rig tractor trailer was behind me– no easy task at the time.
I continued to stay in my lane, even through panic attacks. I had to feel the fear and do it anyway.
I still don’t relish the thought of driving through or around major cities, but it is tremendously gratifying to know that I can do it if I have to.
The best part about practicing driving on highways over and over and over again is that it has given me such a sense of freedom. because of this, I was able to drive 7 hours to visit my sister in Buffalo when she had emergency surgery last spring.
I can occasionally get anxious when I am in the passing lane, especially with someone riding my tail behind me and no clear break for me to get into the right lane.
A few months ago, I had a flight out of Newark Airport, which is about an hour from where I live. I programmed the long term parking service into my GPS, but for some reason I ended up lost.
It was close to evening rush hour so the traffic was horrendous. I drove around completely lost for about 20 minutes in what seemed like a tangled web of poorly marked highways, all chock full of speeding, tailgating, aggressive drivers. I didn’t actually have a panic attack, but it was very close. My driving anxiety seemed to come flooding back. By the time I made it to the parking service, I was a jittery mess.
I wish it didn’t take me 10 years to finally overcome my major fears about driving. In closing, while I still have my anxious moments in the car, for the most part my driving anxiety is much better. Overall, I am a pretty happy — and calm– driver.
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I wish you peace,
Jill G.
photo credit: MSVG
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Good for you Jill! I know how crippling it can be. My niece is experiencing a similar panic with driving, but its not only on highways. Its hard to see her suffer. I haven’t experienced driving panic, but anxiety is something I’ve struggled with since a teenager. Susan Jeffers book “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” helped me considerably to isolate the fear and to move on. Thanks for the great post. I’m forwarding it to my niece.
Thank you for the kind comment Karrie! And I hope this helps your niece.
I will look into your book recommendation
((hugs))
Jill