5 ways to soothe driving anxiety and keep you comfortable on the road

If driving is a source of anxiety for you, you’re not alone: roughly 66% of all Americans experience some degree of stress related to driving. The good news is that driving anxiety doesn’t have to be permanent, and there are several tips you can follow to alleviate yours. Read our list of ways to soothe driving anxiety and learn to be a more relaxed driver. 

1. Planning ahead 

In many situations, preparation can act as a cure for anxiety. Nervous for an upcoming interview? Researching the company beforehand will boost your confidence. Stressed about an exam? Studying is the best way to circumvent your fears. Thinking things through ahead of time is also helpful if driving is the cause of your worries. 

For many people, quick-thinking is one of the most stressful aspects of driving. Though there’s no way to predict everything you’ll encounter on the road, mapping out routes before you take them can help you grow more comfortable. If you know you need to visit a new place soon, try checking the area out on a map. This will make you aware of road closures, construction zones, and other obstacles that could throw you off your game if you come upon them without warning. 

If just looking at a map doesn’t ease your fears, try taking practice drives to locations you’ll need to travel to. Once you familiarize yourself with the route, you’ll feel more than ready to conquer it when you need to.

2. Create a comfortable setting

You can’t control everything on the road, but you can control what goes on inside your car. If the inside of your vehicle feels chaotic or stressful, driving may also feel this way. Adjust your environment so it’s comfortable, creating a relaxing space for you to focus and drive safely. If you know you work better in chillier environments, try turning down your car’s internal temperature and letting soothing cold air wash over you as you drive. 

If music tends to sharpen your attention, turn some on. If it’s typically more of a distraction, it may be better to keep it off altogether. Seat cushions, steering wheel covers, and a decluttered cabin are a few other details that make some drivers feel more at ease. 

You can also check the position of your seat and steering wheel to ensure they're aligned ergonomically. Comfort looks different for everyone. Find your own version of comfort, and you might just feel more confident next time you hit the road. 

3. Exposure

The more you avoid driving, the more uncomfortable it will feel. Instead of steering clear of driving entirely, grab the bull by the horns and prioritize practice. Seize opportunities to drive, and your confidence will grow over time. 

If you feel entirely out of your element, there’s no reason to jump into freeway merges and confusing roundabouts right away. For brand-new or out-of-practice drivers, parking lots and neighborhood roads are good spots to hone your skills. Try finding a more confident driver you trust to ride with you, and their mere presence is likely to help you feel better. 

When you push through your fears and practice driving, it will become second nature to you before you know it. 

4. Avoid catastrophic thinking

When experiencing driving anxiety, it’s best to avoid thinking in extremes. If your thoughts often wander to worst-case scenarios, then it’s no surprise that you’re inclined to panic. We know controlling your anxious thoughts can seem nearly impossible, but focusing on calm, grounding ideas when driving is best. 

Instead of envisioning the car crashes you could get into, stay in the moment and take things step by step. Look ahead and narrow in on your surroundings. Think about what steps you’ll take next. Not only will this make you a more diligent driver, but it will also keep scary thoughts at bay. Rather than letting catastrophic events thoughts cause a panic spiral, try staying concentrated on the road ahead. 

5. Seek professional help

If your driving anxiety feels out of control and difficult to manage on your own, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. This may be your best course of action if driving anxiety is seriously impacting your quality of life. Additionally, professional help may be necessary if your anxiety is detrimentally affecting your ability to drive safely. 

A professional will offer advice, guidance, and effective coping strategies you can use to combat your fears. There’s no shame in going to therapy, and it could very well be a significant step in your journey to beating driving anxiety for good. 

Drive safely with Transwest

At Transwest, we sell only the safest vehicles. Handy tools like rearview cameras, pre-collision warning systems, and blind-spot sensors are just a view of the features found in the vehicles in our lots. If you want a vehicle to keep you and your family feeling secure, view our online inventory or stop by a Transwest location today.