Driving phobia

[EddieM]

Yet another getting older thing I fear. It started with becoming absolutely terrified of heights. Now it appears I am phobic of driving. I am ok driving in daytime and on known routes, but if it's in the dark in an urban environment which I don't know I start falling to bits. Anyone else experience this. I feel I must get a grip. I guess it is compounded by the fact I drive very few miles these days. Sigh!!

 

[Brigadier]

If you don't drive many miles nowadays, not driving at all shouldn't be too much of a hardship?

Or more obviously, how is your eyesight?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Consider hypnotherapy, works well for some so may be worth a couple of sessions though finding a good therapist is key.

 

[EddieM]

If you don't drive many miles nowadays, not driving at all shouldn't be too much of a hardship?

Or more obviously, how is your eyesight?

Not really an option I am afraid. My night vision is appalling

 

[Doggit]

Your ability to differentiate things in the dark is also a part of the aeging process. I had a freelander, and because I sat higher in it, I found I could handle the glare from cars better than when I was driving the van.

 

[EddieM]

Your ability to differentiate things in the dark is also a part of the aeging process. I had a freelander, and because I sat higher in it, I found I could handle the glare from cars better than when I was driving the van.

Probably explains the high kerb I drove over then. I didn't see it

 

[Doggit]

I now exactly where you're coming from Eddie. I'm fine on well lit roads, but now avoid poorly lit ones.

 

[Judy in the sky]

It's well known that as some people get older they develop a condition known as night blindness. Might be worth asking your doctor to refer you to an eye specialist. Anyway, I'm getting that I hate driving these days. Far too many cars on the road, and far to many bad, inconsiderate drivers too. My pet hate at the moment are those who pull up at red traffic lights and immediately start fiddling with their radio/ stereo, or look for something in the glovebox. Don't notice the lights change and sit there for a minute or so before pulling away from the traffic lights.

 

[Doggit]

Were you behind me last week Judy, or have you been following me again.

 

[Judy in the sky]

Were you behind me last week Judy, or have you been following me again.

Why? is that the sort of thing you do? I particularly hate these idiots who seem to fall asleep at traffic lights, or pull away very slowly , even though they have a clear road ahead. (perhaps you're suffering from sleep apnoea)??

 

[Doggit]

Well that joke didn't work did it.

 

[motorbiking]

Seriously - If you consider you are unsafe, then consider giving up. If you don't know, get a second opinion. Your local IAM or RoSPA group often do free driver assessment days, if you can take feedback and critism, it might be a good check point. For 80 odd quid (its been a while since I was up on this) you could join your local IAM and do some observed runs. The feedback might help you polish up a bit to get your confidence back, even if you have no plans to do the advanced test.

There are some techniques you can try to keep your concentration going:
- scanning - keeping your eyes moving around looking for hazard, avoiding looking at anything for more than a few seconds, improves your concentration.
- commentary - tell yourself what you are doing and what you are observing, it improves your concentration with practice.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Agree with getting assessed - you are in a better position than many (elderly?) drivers as you acknowledge your faults /issues
After assessment consider "exercising" your abilities by stretching them a little when safe to do so , and maybe book a driving instructor a few times ? The assesment people may be able to help

 

[Mottie]

My wife is a useless as well as nervous driver and when she was driving to Colchester a few years ago I heard on the radios that someone was driving on the wrong side of the road on the road that she was travelling on so I phoned her to warn her. "One person driving the wrong side of the road?" She said, "They're ALL driving on the wrong bloody side of the road!"

 

[EddieM]

Agree with getting assessed - you are in a better position than many (elderly?) drivers as you acknowledge your faults /issues
After assessment consider "exercising" your abilities by stretching them a little when safe to do so , and maybe book a driving instructor a few times ? The assesment people may be able to help

I'm not that old just a tender 50 years. I think I need to get my night vision looked at. It's not helped by the limited miles I drive per year (<3000) and it's always on the same road, also compounded by the fact my car has terrible headlights.