For many people, driving is a routine activity. However, if you’ve experienced a traumatic event such as a road crash, whether as a driver, passenger, witness, or even someone who helped at the scene, driving may now trigger intense feelings of anxiety. These feelings are not uncommon, but they can be overwhelming. Recognising anxiety after road trauma and understanding how to manage it can help you regain a sense of control and feel safe on the road again.
What Is Driving Anxiety?
Driving anxiety is more than just nervousness—it can involve intense fear or panic, especially after a traumatic experience on the road. This kind of anxiety can make you want to avoid driving entirely or even make you nervous when you’re a passenger in a car.
Some of the symptoms of driving anxiety include:
- Physical symptoms: Sweating, dizziness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, nausea, and shortness of breath.
- Cognitive symptoms: Flashbacks, racing thoughts, confusion, or feeling disoriented.
- Behavioural: Avoidance; staying away from certain roads, times of day, modes of transport or driving altogether or hypervigilance; feeling on edge all the time, like something bad is going to happen.
When should I get help for driving anxiety?
If you’ve been impacted by road trauma, it’s important to understand that these feelings are natural and part of your body’s response to a traumatic event. However, when these feelings persist and start to interfere with your ability to function day-to-day, it may be time to seek help.
If these symptoms are ongoing or worsen, they can impact your daily life, causing significant difficulty in your ability to work, maintain relationships, or even perform everyday tasks.
How to Manage and Overcome Driving Anxiety
If you’re struggling with driving anxiety, there are several strategies you can use -:
1. Talk About Your Experience
Talking with trusted friends, family, or a professional can help you process what you are experiencing and remind you that you’re not alone.
2. Identify Your Triggers
Understanding what causes your anxiety—whether it’s heavy traffic, certain road conditions or specific routes—can help you face those triggers gradually, rather than avoiding them.
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Breathing and muscle relaxation exercises can help you stay grounded during anxious moments. Mindfulness apps like Smiling Mind, Headspace, and Calm offer guided exercises to help calm your mind.
4. Seek Professional Help
If driving anxiety continues to affect your ability to live your life, seeking professional help is important. Anxiety can become very debilitating and impact on your quality of life. Your general practitioner or mental health professional can help you work through your anxiety and recommend appropriate treatments and support services.
Conclusion
Overcoming driving anxiety after experiencing road trauma is possible. By understanding the symptoms, recognising when anxiety becomes a problem, and taking proactive steps, you can regain confidence behind the wheel and in your day-to-day life. If you or someone you know is struggling with driving anxiety, consider reaching out for additional support. You don’t have to face it alone.
