Any duders afraid/anxious while driving?

Weird

@phatmac:

I had some of this when I first started driving. It is pretty normal because it is the most dangerous thing most people will ever do. Those that aren't nervous are those young and dumb teenagers that drive like idiots and end up fucking their car, themselves, or worst, someone else up.

Get some experience under your belt and it will go away.

Not while driving. I only get anxious and scared when I have to find parking.

I don't get nervous much but when it comes to a new area I worry a bit.

Not if I know the area well but I am fucking awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwful at navigating new areas and that terrifies me.

Ok, looks like this thread is live on the site now?

Pretty sure most people were anxious and nervous when they started out driving, but really the only way to get over it is to stop worrying so much. I actually think it's a lot like playing a new game, at least a more complicated one, in that when you first start playing you'll have to be constantly checking the controls and being overly cautious, then by the time you've sunk some hours into it it all becomes intuition.

I've been driving for about 7 months and I still don't feel fully comfortable while I'm driving. It just seems super dangerous to do on a daily basis with every variable that could occur while driving. I haven't gotten into an accident or anything so I'm happy for that.

I definitely do. It's the main reason I don't drive anymore. I got my license almost 7 years ago but I never renewed it because I just didn't like driving. Well, I love driving, I just hate driving with other people on the roads. Recently I've been reconsidering my decision though, just because being able to drive myself around would be extremely useful.

It's something that gets better with time and experience. The more you drive the less scary it gets.

I was nervous when I first started driving. I'd say for about the first year or so. I get that feeling back when I'm going to a completely new area and I'm out of my comfort zone. That kind of feeling is a good thing though. Keeps you attentive while you're still gaining the experience you need. I got into an accident shortly after I lost that anxiety because I got too comfortable with what I was doing and made a stupid mistake.

I don't think I've ever felt that I was too insane to play a video game.

Driving, no. Motorbike, yes.

I tend to not care (within reason) of speeding or stuff like that when I'm alone, but if I'm driving other people I drive way more carefully.

No just angry most of the time.

You should be, but that just means you're smart and will probably be safe.

As for worrying about other people, just remember that most people you pass are driving so much that it's second nature.

I got into a head on collision and totaled my car within three days of earning my license. You cannot fret, as even if you do everything perfectly, the possibility that someone else will screw up always exists. I attempt to anticipate what the people around me might do, but I am never frightened by it; fear like that will cause you to overcompensate or lock up, and may lead to you causing the accident.

No, since that day I have been as calm as you can be; after all, I couldn't go anywhere but up. It's been eight years since then and I haven't been involved in any sort of collision since. I have avoided numerous crashes either by foresight or not cracking under pressure, and you can do the same.

Just remember; sometimes they are unavoidable, and freaking out about that chance doesn't improve your odds.

Yes. I'm a very cautious driver, so I trust myself, but the thought that I have no control over how safely other people drive terrifies me.

When I first started driving, sure. It's just one of those things that completely vanish over time, sometimes to the point of carelessness.

Yes, if I didn't have to drive because of my location I would most likely just take a bus every day.

A bit, but only because my driving experience is always months apart, it sucks too because I just got a job that will require me to drive a truck in a town that I have never driven.

I only get nervous when I'm in a new city or driving somewhere new because I'm afraid I'll get lost or something.

I used to feel that way, then i got a summer job and had to drive to work everyday, so I got over it. Of course, I don't have a car at school and the drivers here are kind of awful, so we'll see how I feel then.

I work for bmw as a tech, I can see that ending real quick if I were afraid or anxious while driving. I've also been in accidents range from parking lot fender benders, to 80mph car destroying things so I feel like I've experienced it all, and how can you really be afraid of what you know. My last accident was at about 40mph and I hit a wall because some jerk ran a red light, long story short, I picked up my bumper, put it in the trunk, and did the 80 miles I had to do. No problem. So get some experience and never fully relax unless you want to be a bad driver running red lights and stop signs, changing lanes without even seeing cars or doing 50 on a residential street. Also don't drive when drunk or high, it really doesn't go as well as it may seem at the time. I've hit somebody who ran a stop sign when he was high and he totally thought it was my fault. Witnesses, cops and insurance disagreed. So yea, pay attention, get experience, maybe take some classes.

I've always had fun on the road, be it in a car or on my motorcycle, I've even crashed in both a few times still don't experience any anxiety, only time I did have anxiety was when I was driving this big-ol u-haul which I've never driven something so large before, since then I've driven plenty of them so I beat any fear I did have.

If I'm going somewhere I've never been before and it's busy and has loads of other cars on the road then I can get a bit anxious while driving.

I am something of a terrible driver in such conditions, so I tend to take the back roads which hopefully have less traffic and are easier to navigate, unless I'm travelling with someone whom I can ask questions like "Hey what lane should I be in right now?" or "Is it this right or the next one?"

I'm actually a bit too relaxed I think. One time I spun out on the freeway in moderate traffic and ended up facing the wrong direction in the center lane. Luckily I didn't hit anyone and managed to make it to the shoulder then back on the road again. Afterwards I noted the complete lack of fear, panic, or adrenaline that one would expect in that situation.

Same here. I lost control exiting a roundabout one day and laughed all the way to the side of the road.

The real trick is practicing texting, drinking / eating, and changing songs all at the same time on the highway. Good times.

How about playing video games? How about playing rhythm games? How about playing reactive rhythm games that cannot be memorized? How about playing Patapon?

I was, but not anymore. I'm still cautious though, probably too much so. That said I don't have my license yet, that stuff is ridiculously expensive here (Sweden).

hmm...I've played Words with Friends while driving but that's about it.

Nope ... but to be fair I started to really drive until I ws 20 + (never needed to before then ) .... I dont get nervous only get angered by how dumb other people are , JUST GET OUT OF MY WAY D:<!!!!! err... ye ... yeah (honestly I love driving on highways ..... because there is less people around slowing me down)

When I first started driving, sure I was nervous. I think that's only natural. That will eventually go away.

The only time I really get nervous now is if I'm driving in an area I'm not familiar with.

I despise driving in places I'm not familiar with, but if I know the area driving is the most relaxing and enjoyable thing I do. It has been that way for as long as I've been licensed.

My most embarrassing moment involves driving in Las Vegas.

@phatmac: It's a matter of experience. After a while you'll almost stop paying attention to anything like huge trucks driving right by your mirror and whatnot.

I wouldn't worry about it if I was you dude, I'm 32 and I still get nervous when I'm driving a car. Funnily enough, I love riding a bike even in countries with no real traffic laws, but driving a car at home in Ireland makes me nervous.

No, I never was afraid or anxious while driving even when I was just starting out. However, I get anxious when someone else is driving, I don't trust their ability and I like to be in control I guess.

yep, can't handle cars coming towards me at all. It's almost like I never expect the car to stop at a light/sign. Granted, being in a accident probably caused this.

The idea of being in control of a big chunk of metal moving at high speeds is the main reason why I don't drive. At the same time I don't really have to drive either though, so I guess it's something you get used to when you're forced to deal with it.

Just got my learner's and drove for the first time in seven years (since I finished driver's ed. in high school) and was pretty nervous about it, got into town and had to switch with the person with me, which was a little strange since I didn't really have that fear by the end of Driver's Ed. but I'll probably get that comfortable again after I go out a few more times. It just takes some getting used to.

I'm a new driver too, yes I am, I hope I get used to it soon.

I was anxious when I was learning to drive, and sometimes during the few months afterward. But, you get used to it the more do do and the more you experience. I found learning to drive was a chore. Its funny you can't tell a teen ANYTHING, but I'm glad my parents insisted that I learn to drive early on a manual transmission. I also learned how to do basic maintenance tires, batteries, changing oil, filters, fluids, etc. It is nice to be able to open the hood and see what looks okay and what looks worn or broken. It is harder with modern cars, but it is still nice to know how the car works, or how to fix a leaky exhaust system with a soup can.

If you are a new driver it's natural. It will go away when you get used to it. Not long after i passed my test i got a job that gave me a company car. I had to go pick it up and drive it home. I had never driven a car as big as it before, and i had to drive 130 miles home on the motorway. I was convinced i was going to kill myself, obviously i didn't and now i drive about 20,000 miles a year and i love driving.

Just always assume everyone else on the road is out to kill you and you will be fine.

No most of the time but I do get a little anxious on roads with big vehicles in the oncoming lane.

Fear of driving, or fear while driving is actually really common for folks with anxiety disorders. Used to happen to me.

If you don't have anxiety issues in general, then its just a matter of driving more. Just drive defensively and be safe, and you will be fine.

I only get truly nervous driving at two points: when the car is engulfed in flames and driving in the city. I always make sure to take public transportation when going anywhere near the city. Boston driving sucks pretty hard, but the public transportation is pretty good.... comparatively

Practice, practice, practice! The best way for a new driver to build up confidence is to spend a lot of time...driving. It may sound obvious, but how else will you learn to deal with the roads than by spending time on them? Is there one particular aspect that unnerves you, or is it driving in general? For instance, if you really don't like roundabouts, then force yourself to take a roundabout on every journey until you feel better about it etc. etc. You'll eventually learn to enjoy it, honestly.

First couple days riding a motorcycle in traffic are nerve racking. Driving a car is a walk in the park, especially an automatic.

No but I drive extremely slow and maybe give a little bit too much respect to other people on the road, especially when driving with a manual shift.