Sure it's scary out there on the highway. There are cars and big trucks zipping in and out. Drivers get distracted by cell phones and other devices. If fear of driving becomes paralyzing, it's time to make some changes. Here's how to overcome a fear of driving.
If you drive infrequently, then busy city streets and high-speed interstate highways are frightening. The more you drive in less-threatening situations, the more you build up your confidence. Start with short drives to the grocery store, church, and the library. Each time you complete the route without incident, the more confident you become.
Progress to driving during higher traffic times and on longer errands. As you keep upping the pressure, repeat the excursions until you feel more comfortable. If you return from an outing feeling overwhelmed and fearful, back off a level to less traffic, but keep getting behind the wheel and going for drives.
Have your eyes checked. It's possible that some of your insecurities about driving are related to not seeing hazards until they're right on top of you. Reading signs further ahead gives you time to react, get into the right lane and avoid crunch situations.
Get a CD that uses self-hypnosis to reduce driving anxiety. There are a number of these available. I tried one and found after listening to it for five or six times that I was able to drive on interstate highways with greatly reduced anxiety. Listen to it at home, not while driving.
Reduce distractions while driving. Turn off the radio, and don't chat with passengers. Driving is serious business and you need to keep your eyes on the road.
Take a safe driving course. Sometimes these are called Defensive Driving Classes and they are usually available at public libraries or senior centers. It will boost your confidence that you know techniques for safer driving.
If some situations increase the anxiety (for me, it's tunnels and bridges), then make an effort to experience some of these at non-peak times. With less traffic crowding around you, the bridge or tunnel seems less oppressive.
Schedule your driving times, if possible, for less busy roads and times. Leave for work early to beat the rush hour. When traveling the interstates, I schedule the trip so I drive through large cities on the weekend when traffic is lighter. Know what routes have more truck traffic, if big trucks bother you, and reroute the trip to another highway.
Ultimately, the more exposure one has to driving, the more it builds up confidence that you can deal with whatever confronts you on the highway. If some fears (big trucks, tunnels) seem out of proportion, then the self-hypnosis method may work best.
