How to Deal With Driving Anxiety

After being involved in a car accident, it’s very common for people to feel anxious about driving again or maybe even about riding in a car again as a passenger. Or, in some cases, a person might have anxiety about driving in certain situations, such as driving at night or in snowy conditions if their crash occurred at night or on a snowy day. Driving anxiety can also be common among people who haven’t been involved in a crash. According to The Zebra, approximately 66% of Americans experience driving anxiety, 55% of whom say specific maneuvers, such as merging onto highways or parallel parking, cause their anxiety. 

Driving anxiety can make people want to avoid driving as much as possible, either by having other people drive them places or avoiding driving altogether, which can have a significant impact on their lives. Imagine avoiding activities like meeting up with friends for lunch, frequently paying extra for grocery delivery services, or avoiding certain places because getting there would involve a roadway that is stressful for you. That’s not even getting into the negative effects anxiety can have on your health. With how important driving can be for your day-to-day life, what can you do to overcome driving anxiety?

Work With a Teacher

If there are certain situations that cause anxiety for you while driving, there’s nothing wrong with revisiting your driving school days. Some driving schools have teachers who specialize in working with adult drivers who have anxiety about driving. A good teacher will be able to work with you to improve your skills with certain maneuvers that stress you out. Or even if you have anxiety about driving in general, having some extra support can help you build your confidence on the road. 

Work With a Therapist

Whether your driving anxiety is the result of a car accident or because of generalized anxiety, a therapist may be able to help find a strategy to help you overcome your anxiety, such as prescribing anti-anxiety medication, exposure therapy, or CBT therapy, just to name a few possibilities. If you’ve developed driving anxiety after a car crash, look for a therapist who has experience working with patients who have PTSD. 

Start Small

If you have anxiety about driving, taking small steps can be a good way to build your confidence. For example, if you have anxiety about driving at night, start by driving very short distances after dark, such as around the block or to a nearby store. Or if you have anxiety about driving in general, try driving at times when traffic is low, such as on Sunday mornings, and gradually work your way up to driving at times with higher traffic levels. 

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Damages caused by car accidents aren’t always just physical. If you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s important to work with a car accident lawyer to make sure all of your needs are taken care of, both in terms of medical bills and for psychological care. At Goodwin & Scieszka, we’re experienced in helping the victims of car accidents in the state of Michigan. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

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