Any adults that overcame a fear of driving?

[jfoofj]

My DSIL is 29 and hates to drive. She was involved in a horrible accident (she wasn't the one driving) in high school and one of her friends in the car died at the scene. She will drive around her hometown, and drive around the small town her and my brother now live in, but she can't drive long distances, on highways, or going somewhere that she doesn't know how to get to already. She had to drive my brother to the hospital one night when he had and asthma attack and HAD to drive on the highway, but it was 4am so there wasn't really traffic. We try to encourage her, but she has an anxiety attack when she is out of her comfort zone behind the wheel... and THAT could cause another accident which wouldn't help her at all. Luckily she works in the town she lives in, and there are a lot of us around to bring her to appointments where highway driving is needed. Hopefully someday she will overcome this fear, but I guess it has to be when she is ready.

 

[KAMKIM]

Well looks like I am going to need to just suck it up now. DH lost his job yesterday He is looking at another job now that is second shift. I will have no choice but to take myself to work in the morning In about 1 more month I'll be driving through Buffalo during the winter

 

[Buckalew11]

You can do this! I am sorry to hear your DH lost his job. I hope he finds another soon. Be sure you are very attentive to his feelings right now because I get the the idea that you are less worried about him/job than you are the fact that you have to drive to work from now on. I am not saying this in a bad way...just that you are so scared and focused on the driving that it is consuming your thoughts. I know, I've been there.

I was like Mystery machine's DD, although I did ride a bike. I never liked go-carts, bumpercars etc. Heck, I didn't even like sewing because it has a "gas pedal" and movement to the machine and you "drove" the material under that thingee! LOL

I was 18 when I got my license and that was because I had a job and had to drive myself to work. I had to also buy a car! *eek* *ick* just what I wanted--not!

I still do not like to drive at 44. I will hand my keys over to almost anyone. My dad catered to me about driving someplaces and I will always remember that and love that about him. He loved to drive, and could not understand my fear and hatred of it.
My DH? Man, I better just suck it up and get behind the wheel. darn.

My advice to you is to go on short drives and practice and gain some confidence. With each drive it will get easier. If you believe in God, take Him this concern, if not, try to find some way to psych yourself up, continue to think and talk positively about it, and breathe...stay calm.
Your fear is most likely greater than the reality of it. Most things usually are. (I speak from experience!)

 

[Buckalew11]

Well looks like I am going to need to just suck it up now. DH lost his job yesterday He is looking at another job now that is second shift. I will have no choice but to take myself to work in the morning In about 1 more month I'll be driving through Buffalo during the winter

Don't drive yourself until you get that license!!

Also, driving a lone was actually the best thing for me. I gained a lot of confidence once I was driving alone.

 

[KAMKIM]

You can do this! I am sorry to hear your DH lost his job. I hope he finds another soon. Be sure you are very attentive to his feelings right now because I get the the idea that you are less worried about him/job than you are the fact that you have to drive to work from now on. I am not saying this in a bad way...just that you are so scared and focused on the driving that it is consuming your thoughts. I know, I've been there.

I was like Mystery machine's DD, although I did ride a bike. I never liked go-carts, bumpercars etc. Heck, I didn't even like sewing because it has a "gas pedal" and movement to the machine and you "drove" the material under that thingee! LOL

I was 18 when I got my license and that was because I had a job and had to drive myself to work. I had to also buy a car! *eek* *ick* just what I wanted--not!

I still do not like to drive at 44. I will hand my keys over to almost anyone. My dad catered to me about driving someplaces and I will always remember that and love that about him. He loved to drive, and could not understand my fear and hatred of it.
My DH? Man, I better just suck it up and get behind the wheel. darn.

My advice to you is to go on short drives and practice and gain some confidence. With each drive it will get easier. If you believe in God, take Him this concern, if not, try to find some way to psych yourself up, continue to think and talk positively about it, and breathe...stay calm.
Your fear is most likely greater than the reality of it. Most things usually are. (I speak from experience!)

Thanks for the advice! I am going to start driving myself to work with DH in the passenger seat so I can get used to that route for now. Before I get my license we are kind of wasting alot of gas now that he has to drive me, and then go back home.

Regarding DH losing his job - it's kind of a blessing in disguise. He hated his job and his boss so he is relieved. Financially we'll be okay for a while and unemployment will kick in next week so I'm really not too worried about it and he doesn't seem to be either actually.

 

[KAMKIM]

Don't drive yourself until you get that license!!

Also, driving a lone was actually the best thing for me. I gained a lot of confidence once I was driving alone.

Oh no I'd never drive by myself without my license, I do have my permit so I can drive with a licensed driver in the passenger seat.

 

[KAMKIM]

My goal is to take my 5 hour course next week and then take my road test before snow hits the ground - which around here could happen before Halloween. Doesn't give me a lot of time but I'm building myself up to get er done. Wish me luck!