Anxious driver

I'm in my thirties and driving still gives me anxiety. I hate it so much. I made an error in judgement and timing when I made left turn today when someone was coming straight at me. Sorry... I don't know what I was thinking and I'm beating myself up about it. I'd say overall I'm a safe driver, but I'll get anxious and it will throw me off. I get frustrated because it's a life skill that comes easy for almost everyone one.. Why is it so difficult for me? Sigh.

8 Comments

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Driving lessons

Nov 15, 2018 at 10:40am

I would suggest you take some lessons so you feel more comfortable, I get anxiety too, it’s normal but if you maybe take lessons you may feel more in control.

It's not just you

Nov 15, 2018 at 1:41pm

It's a freakin zoo driving in a major city. I think it induces anxiety for many people but they might not even be aware of it. I had the thought today that I don't even want to repeat, but what if? What if I by mistakenly hit someone because sometimes people run off of the side walk or bike into traffic high out of their minds. The possibility is small but still there and it freaks me out. The way I cope is by giving myself extra time to get to places and always just doing the speed limit and shoulder checking and always always signalling in advance.

24 6Rating: +18

Driving in Vancouver is stressful

Nov 15, 2018 at 1:44pm

Don't be so hard on yourself.
I sold my SUV a few years ago (mostly a financial decision) but not driving has substantially improved my mental and financial health.

I feel ya!

Nov 15, 2018 at 2:53pm

I am such a nervous driver! I only learned to drive about 5 years ago (im in my 30's) and it still gives me so much anxiety. I really am a safe and cautious driver, or at least try my best, but many other drivers are not! Its a jungle out there. Stay safe!

15 7Rating: +8

Seruously people

Nov 15, 2018 at 4:00pm

Try driving in India. Any major developig Asian city actually. Now that is what I call stress.

I find that

Nov 15, 2018 at 4:56pm

people who have only learned to drive as adults tend to be nervous/anxious drivers.

My theory is that there is a "critical" period to learn driving skills, and if you don't do it by the time you're 20 or so, you're kind of screwed.

Driving is horrible

Nov 16, 2018 at 10:46am

There’s not much to like about driving in Vancouver. You’re not alone in feeling stress when driving. I’m a decent driver, but I hate driving in this town. I avoid driving at night, during rush hour and when it’s pouring rain. I’d rather take the bus or Skytrain any day. And I don’t offer rides to friends anymore. Driving is only pleasant say in Lillooet. The less people drive in Vancouver, and the fewer cars on the road, the better for everyone.

16 6Rating: +10

Carless and i like it.

Nov 17, 2018 at 10:59am

Am 60 years old & never had a full license (had a learner's a couple of times to practice) or car for this very reason. I do know how to drive and could do so in an emergency. But I did not need the headache or the expense of dealing with a car. Lived other places besides Vancouver and found ways around car ownership. Public transit, bicycle, walking, taxis, delivery service, friends, car pooling. It can work.

Some people in comments are being too hard on you. Too many people here drive like they're the only one on the road, give no consideration to other drivers, pedestrians or cyclists. If you're going to continue driving take a defensive driving course, it gives you traffic tactics to deal with aggressive drivers as well as other useful things.

Of course there are people who require a car because of disability, work requirements, children and so on but I don't believe most people need it on a day to day basis.

11 9Rating: +2

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