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Driving is a daily activity for many of us, but that doesn't mean that everyone is totally comfortable behind the wheel. A survey by Nissan found that nearly a quarter of people feel anxious while driving.
Whether you've been experiencing driving anxiety for years or feel nervous after a long break from the road, this guide will help you understand and overcome your fear.
How do I know I have driving anxiety?
If your palms sweat, you feel shaky or your breaths become short when you're about to drive, you may be suffering with driving anxiety according to the AA.There are a few reasons you could be feeling this way about driving — maybe you were recently involved in an accident or near accident, or maybe you're just out of practice.
Nearly 47% of us worked from home during the pandemic according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), and many of us still are. If you're no longer in the routine of driving to work everyday, it makes sense that you feel more anxious when you do have to drive.
How to deal with driving anxiety
Like many forms of anxiety, your fear of driving can be overcome by preparation and practice."Take time to get your judgement of speed and distance back," says Richard Gladman, head of driving standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. "Re-familiarise yourself with the controls and build up your confidence with some short journeys initially."
IAM RoadSmart have produced some advice and videos for anxious motorists, and those who finding driving especially stressful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More: Can Young People Thrive in A Remote-Work World?
"People are avoiding public transport and walking or cycling instead so be especially alert for vulnerable road users," says Richard. "And of course although you may have come to rely increasingly on your mobile phone as a way of keeping in contact with loved ones, always switch it off when you are driving."
If you were a nervous driver even before lockdown, Joanne Mallon, author of How to overcome fear of driving, advises having a few sessions with a driving instructor. If this isn't possible due to Covid or financial barriers, try taking a member of your household who is a safe driver with you for support.
"Be clear about what you would like from them, whether it's a comforting presence or guidance when it comes to tackling difficult junctions."
Car safety
If you haven't driven your car in a while, it's important to check it over before driving again. Breakdown provider Green Flag reported a 72% spike in breakdowns as some motorists return to the road and puts this down to cars having been inactive and poorly maintained during the lockdown."Check your car over thoroughly to ensure it is still safe to drive after several weeks of being parked up," says Richard Gladman, "and clean the windscreens as a film may have built up over time."
This video will give guidelines for what you should be checking. Halfords is offering a Free Road Ready Car Check at over 650 garages, carried out within safety guidelines. It can be booked online and covers items such as tyres and brake lights.
Driving post-lockdown
For most of us, the lockdown has changed our driving habits. If your mileage has decreased you might want to change to a cheaper provider such as By Miles, where lower-mileage drivers pay a fixed annual cost and then just for the miles they drive.Some people who have been using public transport may now prefer their own car for safety reasons. It's now possible to buy a car online and have a contact free-delivery offered by companies such Cazoo.
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