Fear of driving

[Richju]

I have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places and I easily give into this fear, making excuses such as my poor sense of direction, my failing eyesight due to my cataracts. But the real reason is that I'm afraid of the fear itself. 

After all, driving is a risky persuit. I'm afraid that I will do something unwise and cause an accident, if I panic. I don't like that feeling of fear sitting in my stomach. 

Just thinking of driving in the city incites feelings of dread. I learnt to drive to my son's house, very close the city but there are so many roadworks on that route now, I have lost confidence, fearing I might take a wrong turn and end up in the city. And when I have plucked up the courage to drive over to my son's, I don't enjoy myself, as I'm worried about the return journey.

The GPS is helpful but not infalible. I remember the friendly voice advising me to make a u turn on a freeway once!

I have asked friends to accompany me when venturing to new places but each time they just say, 'There's nothing wrong with your driving.'

But there's obviously something wrong wirh me! Can anyone offer advice please.

Regards,

Richju

[quirkywords]

I felt I lacked Confidence so I gave up after two times of taking the driving test. 
I am glad you have determination to continue with your driving. 

[Richju]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for your continuing replies. Cleopatra and I are most grateful. I agree with therising that nasty people like to make fun of those who live with anxiety. I wouldn't listen to them. Yes, we do need to look after our nervous systems and I feel for driving it's better to err on the side of caution by taking as much care as possible. 

People often scoff because I have Cleopatra serviced every six months. They say I'm wasting money but for me it's a question of safety. When I first learnt to drive in the 70s, people rarely serviced their cars and my ex husband, who had no mechanical training, used to fix our car himself. I often found myself in highly stressful situations becsuse our car broke down. So let them laugh, the silly b******s, safety should be paramount.

These forums are a great way to keep in contact with those who live with good sense.

Regards,

Richju xxxxxxxxxxx