I am afraid of driving!!!!?

Mami

it takes time to get used to driving. I remember that I got my license at 18, and for the first couple of months I was terrified of getting in a car accident. I never went down busy roads because my parents put the fear in me of the many accidents that happen down that road.
To feel more comfortable while driving, have a friend or a parent ride with you when you are driving until you feel more comfortable.
I also was afraid to drive after I gave birth to my daughter. I NEVER went anywhere for about 2 months with her with me, because I was afraid of someone hitting me and my newborn.
I've gotten over that fear as well. Just make sure you do not distract yourself with the radio, other people in the car, and watch out for other drivers and their reckless driving at times.
Also when you park in a parking spot (for instance at a store) I always parked away from other cars and away from the store. I hated to park, and despised backing out.
Congrats on you finally getting your license, and relax.

logicalgal

Remember this........you will steer in the direction you are looking......your hands and your feet follow your eyes....that's how your brain works.....for example, if you are walking along the sidewalk, and there is a gorgeous hunk of burnin love walking across the street, and you keep walking and staring, you will eventually walk off the curb........lol.....which could be quite embarrassing, right?
Don't look at the cars beside you. Instead look well ahead up the center of your lane.........also see how much room that vehicle ahead of you has on either side? You do too!
If you take a few driving lessons, that should help give you more tools to improve your skill level and confidence too.
Happy driving!
If you are a new driver, it will take time to develop these skills and confidence. Also remember to always strive to work on good habits too!
Good habits will keep you and your passengers safe!
Scanning intersections, checking your rear view mirror often and whenever braking, always shoulder checking before lane changes and turns (no matter what!) are a few good habits to develop.
I have taught and driven over 4,000,000 miles and although I've had a few close calls, falling back on those good habits have prevented any mishap
Self-discipline is difficult but very necessary to remain safe on the roads.

notyou311

I am the same way. Start out slowly. Practice on streets that aren't busy. Get some confidence. Turn on the radio and relax as much as you can. Take your time and eventually you will be comfortable driving anywhere.

dave

you shouldnt be on the road if your scared

archieluver

i had the same problem when i was your age. to get over my fear of driving i practiced in empty parking lots with out many cars. it helped me a lot and hopefully it will help you =]

UCANTCME

Some people's fear of driving is related to being nervous or anxiety-prone in general, or to not having very much experience driving.

They may be afraid of having an accident and tend to "freeze up" and feel incompetent when even thinking about driving.

Other people develop a phobia about driving after they've been in an accident, whether as driver or passenger, or have witnessed or been affected by someone else's accident.

Regardless of the origins of your fear, there are several possible routes you might take to overcome it.

One might be to face your fear in a safe (and, if need be, supportive) setting, and gradually desensitize yourself to driving by first practicing in an area without much traffic -- such as a quiet neighborhood or an empty parking lot -- until you grow comfortable, and then moving on step by step to more challenging arenas.

In this scenario, you'd leave as the last step whatever scares you the most ... driving on an interstate during rush hour, for instance, or navigating downtown city traffic.

The key is to first become adjusted to driving in one situation before moving on to tackle the next.

You can make the steps or the pace of tackling them as slow as you want to.

BELLE

You will get more used to it as you drive more. I was really scared for the 1rst year I drove, but it will get better

weavera79

It sounds like you need more experience in more than suburban neighborhood traffic. Try driving with another experienced driver until you feel more comfortable on the road by yourself. Be sure that this person is calm and does not scream or panic when they're on the road, no matter what the situation. Traveling with other timid drivers will only increase your anxiety. Get as much experience on beltways, expressways, and highways as you can.

And most of all, don't give in to this fear...the only way to overcome this is to keep at it. Practice not only makes perfect, but it builds confidence too.

Hope this helps. Be safe out there!

Stina&!

When im dirving i don't like being next to semi truck on the high way i dont mind other cars, but i seem like i get to close ive gotten over it just don't think about it and pay attention to the road if you freak out everyone else too. Speed up when your by them on the free way.

knightrider

I used to be the same way. Its very intimidating, but you can go to a driving school or get some type of therapy, im not trying to insult you or call you crazy or anything, because its a real problem that may require professional help, not a psychiatrist or anything maybe like a therapist or something. But just know that it will probably get better with more driving experience.

Phyche

You must learn to drive on the country more and more time until you unafraid.
If it's doesn't work.
May you can take people's cars.
Wanna quit driving?

George A

Practice, practice, practice.
Use side streets that has limited traffic until you feel more confident. Take a licensed driver with you (if you are still required to have one in the vehicle w/you) that doesn't make you nervous.
The more experienced you get, the less nervous you will be.
You are probably running a bunch of different scenarios through your head- car beside me, what if he changes lanes unexpectedly, what if the car in front of me stops real quick, etc.......
In all, if you are doing that, it is not a bad thing to do- at least you are very aware of your surroundings & have the fundamentals of being a defensive driver. Kudo's if you are.
Take your time, keep practicing. It'll get easier as you go.

Heavensent

Leave a sensible gap in between.
I have the same problem as a passenger, but as a driver no, cos I drive two car lengths apart!
You need to drive more and get used to it hun, or you will never combat this fear. Good luck!

Jesse I

it is safer to drive then a lot if things just remind yourself that