Overcoming the Fear of Driving

The fear of driving, or the fear of driving in particular situations such as over bridges or on highways, is one of the most common fears, yet surprisingly one of the most difficult to find information about. Unlike other phobias, such as the fear of flying, there are very few sources for help and of those, even fewer that are qualified. Only a small handful of sources can be found that specialize in this particular phobia. More general programs that claim to assist with anxieties and phobias abound, but a one size fits all approach is not what's needed, particularly with the fear of driving which has unique treatment considerations.

Unlike the fear of flying, or clowns, or spiders, or whatever other fear the "catch-all" plans try to help with, the fear of driving must be approached differently due to the nature of the activity. While driving, there is a limitation to how relaxed an individual should or can be, while still maintaining safety and control of the vehicle. The types of relaxation techniques and progressive muscle relaxation typically advised by programs or resources on anxiety are impractical if not impossible while driving.

Additionally, there is a certain level of commitment that must be accepted and planned for by the individual looking to gain comfort while driving. In many phobias, there are very small steps that can be taken in the recovery process to systematically expose the sufferer to the feared situation. Although that is still possible to a certain degree with the fear of driving, there is a level of inescapability that must be considered in program design. There can be gradual exposure to a degree, but once the more problematic levels are encountered such as highway driving or bridge crossings, once begun they are very difficult if not often impossible to retreat from. Once the individual turns onto the highway, they are committed to at least driving the next exit. Once the exit is passed prior to a bridge, there is often no way to exit the situation except by driving over the feared bridge. A program that focuses on the fear of driving exclusively should consider this and include an appropriate cognitive component to its treatment approach.

In conclusion, driving is a very common fear, but one that is seldom addressed specifically by available programs and is poorly suited for a general self-help phobia, anxiety, or panic treatment. It is surmised that the relative small demographic afflicted by this condition makes it less attractive and profitable to be catered to by larger publishers who aim to capture the largest audience possible with plans that can be used for wide array of fears. Many of the techniques, strategies, and advice found in available programs can simply not be extended to this fear due to its exclusive needs discussed previously. One of the only and best programs available for the fear of driving is the Driving Fear program. It is a self-help program which is designed ONLY for the fear of driving, and no other fear or phobia. It approaches the treatment for the fear in a fashion that aims for significant results within 14 days and is the first choice for individual suffering from fears or anxieties about driving.