I'm scared of driving.

I get anxiety when I have to merge onto parkways and highways. I hate changing lanes and usually drive exclusively in the right lane on highways.

I've started crying hysterically while driving a few times.

With so many drunk drivers, reckless drivers, and distracted drivers I get so worried. I hate the thought of driving and have to mentally calm myself down every time I get on a parkway.



I had an anxiety attack tonight after it took me 3 tries to merge onto the SOuthern State. I just couldn't do it..I was shaking. It's not about becoming a better or safer driver. I know how to drive. I'm just so scared. I drive about 30 miles a day on average, so its not like I'm not used to it.

Does anyone else have this fear? I feel like everyone else drives so easy and carefree. I just feel so alone in it.

Re: I'm scared of driving.

I can totally relate to what you are feeling. I used to feel very confident while driving until I had a minor accident on Christmas Eve. I was moving into the next lane when this car came out no where and we side swiped each other. Ever since then, I'm a nervous wreck when I need to get on the highway or change lanes. I hope this feeling goes away soon...

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My mom doesnt like to drive. She has a huge fear of getting lost and will only drive locally. She doesn't know how to drive on parkways, she doesn't know how to merge.

It's a little bit different from your scenario. It sounds like you are comfortable driving but are just scared of whats out there. It is scary out there and I do think about those same things a lot, especially with all of the wrong way drivers were are hearing about lately. Do you have the same fears when you are the passenger in a car? Or is it only when you drive?

Re: I'm scared of driving.

sometimes if Im driving where I am not comfortable I get scared

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Posted by DeniseMarie
Do you have the same fears when you are the passenger in a car? Or is it only when you drive?

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I'm glad I'm not the only one who is terrified to drive on parkways! You're better than me though, I will only drive on them if I absolutely HAVE to! And forget about bridges - I have to close my eyes anytime I'm in a car and go over one. Everyone makes fun of me but I can't help it - just the thought of merging onto a parkway makes me nervous

Re: I'm scared of driving.

Posted by APT910

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is terrified to drive on parkways! You're better than me though, I will only drive on them if I absolutely HAVE to! And forget about bridges - I have to close my eyes anytime I'm in a car and go over one. Everyone makes fun of me but I can't help it - just the thought of merging onto a parkway makes me nervous

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Posted by missfabulous

Posted by APT910

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is terrified to drive on parkways! You're better than me though, I will only drive on them if I absolutely HAVE to! And forget about bridges - I have to close my eyes anytime I'm in a car and go over one. Everyone makes fun of me but I can't help it - just the thought of merging onto a parkway makes me nervous

You sound just like me- if I can find a way to get somewhere without a parkway I'll go that way. I very rarely drive on bridges but I hate them too. Too crowded and when theres a truck I just freak!

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I'm the same way! I am very weary about driving on the highways. Luckily, everything is only a few miles from my house, but when driving to my mom's I make my fiance drive me!

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I drive about 40 miles on the LIE each way everyday and it scares me too. I hate merging and changing lanes. I've seen/almost been in so many accidents from that. I drive a clean pass vehicle so luckily I can take the HOV lane by myself and until I get in there where I don't really have to deal with all the aggressive lane changers, I really am not that comfortable.

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Driving really can be scary at times, and your fears are totally understandable.

Would you ever consider taking a few driving lessons? Maybe that would help ease your fears. I know it may seem silly at first because obviously you know how to drive, but my friend was deathly afraid of highways and avoided them at all costs. She took a few lessons strictly for highway driving and since then it has gotten so much better for her.

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this is why i do not drive..i am a nervous passenger as well

i was in a bad accident years ago so i dont know if that made me scared but i do not drive at all now and have no desire to at all

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Play several games of Grand Theft Auto. Your fears will be gone in a snap.

(this coming from someone who thinks Danica Patrick is an excellent role model for women..lol ).

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when i first started driving i went to the mall by side streets but didnt know how to get back other than the meadowbrook. So I merge onto the parkway and in a lovely 20 degree weather, sweating profusely. I will never forget that feeling that seemed to last forever. I found that with anything that gets me to the anxiety level. (for me its being in very crowded places) I push myself to the limit to try 2 overcome it. IKEA is now a happy place for me but I am a work in progress

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Oh, I'm so sorry you had a tough time tonight!!!

I used to get this way...alot, exactly like you said, the merging and changing lanes made me very very anxious.

When we bought our house, it was far away from my job, I had about a 50 mile round trip commute. I had no choice, but it made me very nerve-wracked, I even had DH commute with me for awhile and he would drop me off.

He had me get more comfortable on the weekends when there was less traffic, just practicing. I knew how to drive, just to get more comfortable. We went down by Jones Beach - there's lots of on/off, going around up and down Wantagh Parkway, down to the pencil, up the Meadowbrook, back down.

Practicing may seem silly, but maybe just taking a ride on Sundays with DH - and you drive, might help you gradually build up your confidence. It worked for me, i don't even think about it now.

Good luck!

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Just wanted to let you know I am the same way. I live in Queens and know how to get almost anywhere in LI without getting on a highway. I will leave two hours early and take Jamaica to Jericho and get where I need to go


I think its great that you still push yourself to get out there and drive. NEVER stop b/c you may end up like me and not be able to get back into it!

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Colleen- Dont feel alone. I also am afraid of driving on highways- merging, changing lanes and getting onto the highway. I will take all side streets if I can and if its not possible to do so only then will I get on highways. On the LIE I totally panic when a truck or tractor trailer comes up behind me or even passes me.
I know exactly how you feel. If you want to talk FM me.

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when i first started driving I was great at it than out of no where I freaked when I started changing lanes. Now i am better.
Southern State is a crazy road. people drive very fast. Is there any way you dont have to take that road.
I get freaked out when I am driving in the right lane (or in a car thats in the right lane) when pther people are merging. i hate that.

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Thanks so much everyone for the support. It's nice to know I'm not alone!!

DH actually mentioned practicing driving on highways (and he would go with me). The thing is, I feel like I'm a good driver. I drive on parkways every day. I just don't know if this is something I'll ever get used to. I hate to know what I'll be like when I have kids. I'll probably end up being 10x as nervous if I have them in the car with me.

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I got my license in 2003 at 23. I lived in BKlyn and never really had to drive b/c we lived a few blocks from the D train and buses. On the weekends DH would drive. and i took the subway to work 5 days a week anyway.

We moved to PA in 08 and after I had my son in 09, I knew i would have to start driving regularly and alone or with DS. Driving used to terrify me..especially in bklyn. Here in PA its much easier.

But i have not driven on a highway yet. I will soon, but I needed to get comfortable being in the car and driving around before I could do that. Some people jump right in. Not me..LOL.

I think with time it goes away. See if you can practice with someone when there isnt much traffic out just to get used to it.

My MIL only drives locally..never on highways or bridges..EVER. an ex friend of mine..her mother would be paralyzed with fear if they had to drive over a bridge. she couldnt do it.

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Maybe you can take a few classes w/ a driving instructor.

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I'm so sorry you feel this way. I commute daily from LI to NJ and even before that, I used to drive back and forth to see my DH (not married at the time) so to say the least, I am on the road A LOT!! If you're not comfortable merging into traffic and driving on highways, please please go out on the weekends and practice!! I've seen so many rear end accidents from people who are afraid to merge onto a highway and literally STOP trying to get in. That scares the heck out of me. I am not saying this in a mean way, for your safety and everyone around you, please go get some practice and get more comfortable with it. It's so much easier to merge into traffic when you increase speed and can just move in without having to accelerate from a stopped position. You will get better with practice! Everything in life is a risk but practice and a defensive driving course will help a LOT!!

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I only get scared with short merges (southern state is AWFUL with these -- especially getting on from 231).

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Posted by gina409

this is why i do not drive..i am a nervous passenger as well

i was in a bad accident years ago so i dont know if that made me scared but i do not drive at all now and have no desire to at all

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I hate driving - I am always bracing the wheel when I do.

I will take longer routes that are less congested to avoid being surrounded by so many drivers - many of which are a ssholes. I go out of my way most of the times.

DH drives in the city everyday - so needless to say his city driving habits are used on the weekends. We get in so many arguments because of it. I can't relax when he drives - I just hold on to the door handle for dear life, pushing my feet into the floor.

I have this fear of dying in a car accident - I imagine terrible incidents happening to me while I drive. I pretty much want to puke all over myself when I drive by a bad car accident.