ANYONE HAVE DRIVING PHOBIA?
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| Tue, 03-22-2005 - 6:38pm |
Hello.
I've had my driver's license for 13 years now, but even in the very beginning, I wasn't really excited about going to driving school. In fact, from the beginning, I have always feared driving on the highways. I had to drive on a couple during my driving lessons and it scared me so bad that I have never driven on one in 13 years.
I also have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places, even if I had the directions on paper on the passenger seat. But I used to be fine with driving to familiar places in the past before my kids came along, but ever since I had my 2nd child, I am nervous to go out driving alone with my kids, only if it's kind of far-if its fairly close to our home, I'm fine with it.
I have an aunt, that told me recently how she has a highway phobia too since she was very young(she's 70 now). It's odd that I share the same phobia with her.
As far as driving on the highways go, I donot care to change that part of my phobia. I get so terrified at the mere thought of driving on any highway that my heart races, I get nauseaous, my palms get sweaty, etc.
However, I wish I could conquer the part of my fear that disallows me to drive more than 10-20 minutes away from my home.
Does anyone out there share my fears?
I don't know anyone else(other than my aunt) that shares my fears and it would be nice to have someone to talk to that can relate to what I'm going through.
Thanks!
Laura~

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YES! Me too. I avoid the parkway all together as I wound up in bumper to BUMPER traffic way too many times and almost lost it. I avoid rush hour, and anywhere I know there might be TRAFFIC jams in which I can't escape. I also get VERY nervous and avoid unfamiliar places. Seems so odd coming from someone who would jet on planes and travel by herself. Sure hope this changes soon one day and not for myself only, but for all of us ;)
So "NO" you are "SOOO" not alone!
Hugs-
Jenn
Hi Jenn!
Thank you for posting!
You sound soo much like me and it's a relief to know that others here share my fear, since only 2 others in my family also have driving phobias.
My mom does too.
She resides in Florida and refuses to not only drive more than 10 minutes away from her home, but lives near US Hwy 19 and HATES to drive on it!
But her fear is fairly new, whereas mine I've had ever since I got my license 13 yrs ago, and it's only gotten worse.
I have ALWAYS had a fear of driving in snow also, but pretty much EVERY adult female in my family can relate to that!
I can remember crying b/c I would get so scared of driving in snowy weather, if I got lost, etc!
Curently I am a SAHM, but when I worked b/f I had my kids, I would only get a job either in my hometown or the next city, as long as I could get to work only by back roads.
If it at all was far enough-even 2 cities over that would require me to use the highway/parkway, I wouldn't go for the job interview!
Which state do you reside in?
I'm in Connecticut.
take care!
Laura
I reside in NJ, near the shore. And yes, if I'm out at work and it starts to snow, OMYYYY do I have to leave. I had bad experiences so I think this is one cause. As long as the traffic is MOVING, I'm somewhat OK, but if I get stuck, well, ummmm, look out ;-)
I push myself though, because the more I avoid the worse it will only get! It's hard though. But your far from alone....
-Hugs,
jenn
Jen,
I also had very bad experiences driving in snow, which added to my fear.
My first car was an 81'Nissan 200SX, REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE of all things, and
I remember getting stuck, sliding, etc. on my way home from work after just about every snowstorm.
It got so bad, that whenever it was either going to, or did snow-I would avoid driving myself to work altogether and had my dh drop me off early in the morning(since he had to leave for work 2 hours b/f I did)at a diner across the street from my work, would eat breakfast and then hang out there until it was time to go to work!
And he'd pick me up after work.
Laura
Hi Jan!
Thanx for your post.
It feels good to know others share my driving phobia on this board.
I forgot to mention how I also get very nervous, etc. in traffic too-and not only when I'm driving! Which brings me to another phobia of closed in spaces, elevators, concerts, shopping in a jam-packed store when you can barely get around.
I will definitely stick around and hope to find a new friend or two that shares my fear of driving.
It's hard b/c many relatives(even my dh) does/do not understand that it's a serious phobia that won't 'go away' simply by getting in the car and forcing myself to drive in the situations that scare me the most. It doesn't work that way.
Anyway, thanks again!
You made me feel welcome!
Have a nice day!
Laura
Thanks so much for your post!
It really sunk in, and I am willing to take the 'small steps' that you speak of.
Your post means so much- I can't thank you enough.
Feels good to know that you( as well as many others) share my phobia and can relate.
I will take your advice, and will return to keep you posted-
Thanx Again,
Laura :)
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