What is driving anxiety?
Driving anxiety is a strong feeling of fear, worry or distress related to driving. It can cause a person to avoid driving, limit their driving, or feel anxious when travelling in a vehicle.
Driving anxiety can also cause you to become anxious and scared when you are a passenger in a motor vehicle.
Common symptoms you may experience include:
- Feeling nervous, worried, or featful about driving.
- Avoiding driving altogether,
- Feeling anxious when travelling as a passenger.
- Racing heart, sweating, shaking, or feeling short of breath when driving or thinking about driving.
- Feeling disoriented or confused.
- Nausea.
- Feeling tense, alert, or ‘on edge’ while driving.
- Worrying that another crash may happen.
- Avoiding certain roads, intersections, traffic conditions, or driving situations.
- Reliving memories or images of the incident while driving.
What can I do to overcome a driving anxiety?
Talk with some you trust
It’s normal to feel scared or anxious after a car crash, and it’s okay to say you don’t feel safe or ready to drive yet. Talking with trusted friends, family or colleagues can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and support your recovery.
Identify triggers
Understanding what causes your anxiety can help manage it. These ‘triggers’ might include certain roads, heavy traffic, or driving near large vehicles. The more aware you are of your triggers, the easier it becomes to plan ways to cope with them.
Practice calming strategies
Breathing exercises, mindfulness activities and other relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and support your wellbeing.
If you feel anxious while driving, take a few slow, deep breaths. Focus on the present moment and notice what is happening around you. This will signal to your body that you are safe, and help you remain present and focused while driving.
When returning to driving gradually:
Start with short, familiar trips.
Drive at quieter times of the day.
Have a trusted person travel with you if it feels helpful.
Celebrate small steps and take things at your own pace.
Remember that recovery looks different for everyone.
Seek professional help
If driving anxiety continues to affect your daily life, speak with your General Practitioner (GP). They can offer guidance and refer you to local services, such as a Counsellor or Psychologist. Talking to a mental health professional can help you process your experience and learn strategies to reduce and manage your anxiety.
