Does the idea of driving on the freeway make your pulse race? Do you get cold chills whenever you approach the freeway on ramp, or start to lose your mind when the flashing lights of cars pass you at seventy miles an hour? If you find that you suffer from tremendous anxiety when you drive on the freeway or if you find that you avoid freeways altogether when you drive, I am here to tell you that you’re not alone. Freeway phobia affects a countless number of lives around the world, most people aren’t aware there is a such thing. They just know that freeways make them terrified.
Driving on the freeway can be very intimidating. Just thinking about all the things that can go wrong is enough to make anyone choose a different route. So why is that so many people use the freeway each and everyday, knowing all the dangers that can occur? One of the main differences that separates everyday commutes and those with freeway phobia is their way of thinking.
People who use the freeway often are not thinking about all the possible things that can go wrong. Instead they are focusing on their destination, on the song playing through their stereo, or just simple enjoying the ride! On the other hand, people who have a fear of driving on freeways immediately feel the discomfort, sometimes as soon as they find out freeway travel is a required part of the trip. Often times, when on the freeway, instead of enjoying the ride, they are focused on what MIGHT happen instead of what IS happening. Which leads to panic and over time will result in avoiding the freeway all together.
The fear of driving on the freeway is a common problem and because of that, there has been a lot of research dedicated to helping people who live trapped with this fear. Here are 3 suggestions to help you in your quest to overcome your fear of driving on freeways.
1. Conquer The Freeway Ramp!: Pick a day when there isn’t too much traffic on the freeway, like a Sunday morning or afternoon. Practice entering and exiting the freeway. Enter on the on ramp then exit on the next exit ramp. Doing this a few time until you begin to feel comfortable merging into traffic.
*Quick Tip: When merging you will either need to slow down or speed up depending on the car traveling the the right lane. Whatever you do DON’T STOP.
2. Changing Those Lanes:In order to get comfortable changing lanes pick a time of day with low-moderate traffic. Stay in the right lane for your first few drives till you become comfortable or if there is a lot of traffic. You can also practice changing lanes with your passenger’s help (by monitoring you). Start in the right lane, check you rear view mirror for cars behind you that might be merging AND for oncoming cars in the lane you’re merging into. Next put your blinker on, BUT don’t change lanes yet. Take a quick peek into your blind spot to make sure its safe. Now…change lanes!
3.Who’s Speeding?: Watching your speed can increase your comfort level when driving on the freeway. Often times people allow their speed to be determined by the drivers in other lanes, or even worse that guy that’s been riding on your bumper. If your on the freeway during peek driving periods and its seems as if everyone is flying by you, get into the slow lane. If you’re already there stay there. Don’t worry about the people behind you trying to push you to go faster. If their in that much of a hurry they will go around. Driving at the posted speed limit will not only help you avoid speeding tickets, it will also help keep you calm while driving on the freeway.
These have been a few tips to improve driving techniques which can help with overcoming the fear of driving on the freeway. Freeway phobia is about 70% mental and 30% technique. For more help with understanding the mental aspect of freeway phobia, click on the link in the resource box below.
