Fear of Freeways, Am I the Only One?

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I used to be just like you I would take any route that didn't require me to get onto the freeway. However, after driving on and off the freeway with a very sweet friend who was patient I got over my fear and now am able to drive them with no problems. Oh and I too have a terrible sense of direction. Thank goodness for gps it has come in very handy.

i hear ya. My mom is that way. She never and I mean never drives on the freeway. But recently when I was pregnant in 2010, I was minding my own business in the slow lane and a car came across and cut me off so bad, like more like almost took out my front end! I was so freaked out. Now i'm what you call a "backseat driver". I cant be a passenger because my anxiety level goes so high on the highway. this person ruined me! I can see how you have anxiety, and its ok I guess if you can find a way around it. Good Luck!

Not me. I love driving on the freeways!!! I love driving in general.

i've rolled a car, driven a car into building (corner because I was new to driving and miscalculated the curb!! DOH!!) and gotten a speeding ticket on the Autobahn!

I don't know what you are afraid of...it's good that you don't get on the freeway but i don't understand your fear. Is it fear of speed? I would seriously talk to a drivers training course company and have them TEACH you how to drive on a freeway......but I agree with your dad - you need to get over this fear.

I find that I'm just the opposite. When I'm on the freeway I feel like a little blood cell in a large vein pulsing to where I need to go. It's easy not to get lost, there aren't any crazy twists and turns. Just a straight shot past all the crazy intercity traffic to get me as close to my destination as possible before I have to jump back into the fray.

I get antsy when I'm trying to find my way TO a freeway entrance or when I'm just about to exit the freeway. Then I have to deal with stop lights, stop signs, pedestrians, children and their toys flying out into the road, wandering animals waiting to be hit and all the potential collisions between me and my final destination. Once I ease myself onto the onramp and merge I feel ensconced in a bubble of safety traveling down a river of asphalt until it's time to exit and bounce around through the pinballesque nature of non freeway roads.

The only time I felt fear was my first time on the Autobahn when I went to pass a car and got in the middle of five cars and had to do the speed they were doing about 100 until I could get out of the wedge I was in. Yes I felt all funny and light headed but once I realized I could do it it was fun. Now I am one of the most aggressive speed demons around. I sure do miss the road that lets you drive the speed you want (over 75) and get away with it.

I agree with the others about taking a course to get over your fears.

Best of luck to you.

The other S.

Oh Nicole P, your imagery is magnificent! I love it! I hope you're a writer.

To answer Mamakitty's question, I feel comfortable on freeways, with a sense of relief that now I'm really getting somewhere. I agree with the other posters who suggested a driving skills course would benefit you. Having a professional instructor take you onto the freeway could really improve your confidence and driving. Good luck!

Although I have no fear of highways I could almost see fearing them during rush hour.

I would think if you really want to overcome this try going on them on offpeak hours. There will be next to no one on there so you could get used to changing lanes and all that.

Still if you really cannot overcome your fear you are better off avoiding them. Nothing is more dangerous is someone on a road that has no confidence. An accident will happen.

Freeways can be scary. I have always been the type of person who believed that everyone should face their fears head on. The best way to get over your fear of freeways is to drive on them. Go at a time of day when traffic is light and only drive from one on ramp to the next off ramp. As you are getting off the freeway keep telling yourself what a great job you did and that you are completely safe, don't let the 'what ifs' enter your mind. Just keep saying I did it I did it -- I drove on the freeway. A week later get on the freeway and go to the second off ramp and repeat the mantra I'm safe I did it ect. As your fear decreases go further. Think about it this way --- you are a Mom if your kids were in trouble or gravely ill and the only way to get them help was to drive on a freeway--you have to do it. It's better to show yourself that you can do this now when it's not an emergency.
You can do this. Practice makes perfect.

Maybe you need to take a driver safety course.

I'm in the Dallas area.. Freeways are a part of life around here. You learn to drive defensively as well as aggressively at times.

It sounds like you need to check into the safety courses to make you feel more comfy on the freeway. Around here, you'd get run over. I know... Our drivers are very aggressive and you have ti be able to stand up for yourself on the road.

Well there is a difference between being uneasy on the freeway and having a panic attack. I think that any anxiety that effects your life to the point that it interferes with activities of daily living should be treated by a professional.

i am scared of driving in general. Freeways send me into panic mode. I am seriously considering hypnotherapy. Im not scared of flying, bungee jumping, rollerblading, skiing, skydiving, boogie boarding surfing...etc... but freeways are literally my worst enemy.

Its because there are people out there with not enough fear of them, people with downright asinine blindness towards the risks and rules of it, so i guess you could say im scared of them. In actuality the idea of a serene, well paced freeway doesnt scar3e me at all. But sadly its not reality.

>>>>>oh and i live in houston, one of the scariest traffic cities in the world, that might have a little to do with it

I am not afraid of the freeway, but because I have a daughter with an anxiety disorder I am now becoming fully aware of all kinds of phobias, and fear of driving and/or freeways is a big one!
I personally know of three women who WILL NOT drive on a freeway, period.
If I were you, I would get some counseling, I can't imagine living like this. This is America and driving places is a HUGE part of our lives, especially when you have kids. I think you'll feel better facing your fear rather than giving in to it, in the long run. Good luck :)

A&E's show obsessed did an episode about a woman who was recently divorced who had a huge fear of driving on the highway after her fathers death... I tried to look up the episode for you but couldnt find it on my quick search... So I dont know if seeing that episode would make you feel better or not?? Good Luck!

Hello
I have this same fear (even as a passenger) and other anxiety issues. however, I have been practicing EFT "emotional freedom techniques" you can check em out on EFTUNIVERSE.COM it's a FREE site... Anyway, so they do this tapping on specific points of the body, namely what Acupuncture refers to as the meridians... the idea behind the EFT is you re-wire your mind/body... I know it's sound kinda out there.... but as someone who went to "traditional" therapist and none of it helped, I decided to do this EFT.. so far, I have been doing it for my anxiety whenever I ride a bus... often, IF crowded, I begin to feel very anxious and claustrophobic and eventually have to get off the bus BEFORE my stop.. so I started doing this EFT, at first with an in person practitioner and then I began to read up about it on my own (get Gary Craig;s handbook) << that has been very helpful... Now, I don't feel as anxious on a bus and have only had to get off once ... this out of about 20 rides.. I also don't drive.. Oh I have my license (got that years ago) but then never really got out there and drove a lot. I am also working on those fears.. However, one fear at a time. I figure first deal with the anxiety on buses and then driving.. definitely check out the EFT.. I really think it's helping..

best of luck to you

I probably should be more fearful (I've seen enough to scare the pants off most people), but it doesn't bother me.
Sounds like you have a phobia.
There's nothing wrong with that, but it can be something that restricts you if you happen to live in an area where you must use freeways to get around.
If it bothers you, you might want to see a therapist about it.

Sometimes it's an anxiety thing. While I am 95% good to go, there is a certain scenario--usually a sweeping curve to the right and downhill in a very WIDE open area that makes me feel like I'm going to plunge off of the face of the earth. Does that make sense? Probably not to anyone who hasn't experienced it, but I know. What I've done is to kind of force myself to face it...keep my mind focused on O. bit at a time and I've gotten (almost) completely over it.
Maybe it's something about Milwaukee, because my cousin that lives there DREADS the freeways in Milwaukee.

You know what, being afraid of freeways is logical, it makes sense. There are cars weighing 5000 lbs going 60 miles per hour. Of all the things we face everyday, fear of driving on the freeway makes the most sense! It sounds like you do a good job of working around it so don't give yourself too hard of a time. If you want, try and keep working toward getting on them during slow traffic times, maybe with your husband or someone else supportive and build up. If you don't, keep doing what you are doing because it is ok.

Good luck!

No fear of freeways here, I love to be able to go to places I would never be able to get to in a reasonable amount of time otherwise. I would hate to be held hostage in my own neighborhood. I have also never been in an accident on the freeway but have been hit five times on roads fairly close to home.

This doesn't seem reasonable, I have never known anybody to have your reaction. Please take some extensive defensive driving courses and also figure out what is going on.

Were we separated at birth??? :-)

I wish I were like some of the other posters. I could do so much more....like explore the big cities. We have a little stretch of Interstate through my city and I avoid it at all costs! I feel my neck tense up and my bottom clench, kids have to be quiet and radio is off if there is a lot of traffic. I keep telling my husband that the next place we live should have great public transportation or be walking and bicycling friendly!!!!

Good luck! At least you know there is ONE other person out there like you :)

I have always had a problem with driving on crowded roads until I get to know them pretty well. We don't have freeways here but icy roads get me really bad. If I think that there will be any ice on the road at all, I will stay in town. I should say ice on the highways because I can drive on them in town. I lost my son to a car accident last summer and since then my fear of driving on bad roads is even worse. Thing is my son died on a wet road, not icy but I don't have trouble driving on wet roads. I think it is our minds telling us what can happen that causes it. I use to live on a ranch and drove in storms a lot but after being in town and my kids getting older that made me more worried about road conditions. I never had an accident either.

I get really anxious being the passenger in a car. Sometimes I'm ok on the side roads, but, ge really really anxious on the freeway. I don't understand why. I never used to be like this. I used to be fine about it. It's so frustrating b/c really it would be so nice to be able to sit back and enjoy a nice drive. I get sick of driving everywhere!

Please try not to listen to those who try to force the fear out of you. You father may think he's helping, but really I'm sure he's making it worse. You have to face this fear at your own pace.

I suggest you maybe try to drive (when you're ready) short distances on the highway. Maybe from one entrance to one exit...enter on, stay in the far right lane, then immediately exit. Then (when you're ready) enter on, drive a little bit further and then exit...gradually getting used to the feeling of driving on it, the speed of the car, and your surroundings.

I'm so sorry you have to experience this type of anxiety. Really, it can be miserable and life consuming. One of these days, you'll get sick of it and decide not to give in to your fears and you'll take control. That control might not last forever, but, it'll sure show you that you do have the power to overcome your worst nightmares.

I used to be afraid of highways and driving in heavy traffic when I was a newer driver. After a lot more driving experience I can do it with out too much stress. I have to since I live right outside New York. I still don't like driving in New York City but I have done it.

I can think of a few people I know who have a similar reaction though maybe a bit less intense. Maybe a driving school can help you. That was what I did after I tried and could not learn from my parents. I didn't get my license until the end of college. The instructor was able to break things down into simple steps and it made things much easier--even parallel parking. Do you know what about the freeway makes you anxious? Speed of the driving? Amount of traffic? Hopefully a good instructor can help you practice getting closer to the freeway environment until you are more comfortable and can do it if you need to.

I really don't like driving on freeways, but will if there isn't a better alternative route. I took a job in downtown Milwaukee this past May and was kind of freaked out about the drive and parking downtown. Within about two weeks of doing the drive twice a day, I realized I had gotten over my discomfort. I don't think my fear was as profound as yours, but I do think the more you try it the more relaxed you will become. Eventually.

I very much used to have this problem. It was when I was a newer driver. I had many panic attacks when driving from age 16-21. It was always worse if I was in an unfamiliar area, of course. One time I ended up driving the wrong way down a 1-way road!
I grew up in the city and then moved to a country town when I was about 21. I did not have any issues driving in the country or in town, but when we came down to SLC and used the freeway, I was definitely a little rattled every time. And now we are back and I am not at all afraid of the freeway anymore because practice makes perfect (or at least not a panicky mess!) I am also getting a lot better at venturing into downtown, which used to terrify me (and SLC is not even that busy compared to other cities!)
Anyway, I think that if you want to get over this fear, you will need to start practicing in the freeway. You could even take a driving course. Drive when it is light out (I have a hard time seeing in the dark and that amplifies the panic). Have a buddy with you to help talk to you calmly and help you look out for other cars. Make driving on the freeway an actual "appointment"- don't schedule something else that you have to be to. You will probably be able to conquer this on your own. Good luck!

No you are not alone. My fear on the highway is semi trucks. My husband knows the rule is either pass them or stay behind them. Driving beside them makes me a nervous wreck. We hardly ever drive together b/c when he's driving I'm constantly putting on the "fake" break and honestly I drive him nuts! I like to feel like I'm in control behind the wheel. When I have to pass them I constantly tell myself "God did not give me the spirit of fear" over and over. It drives me crazy when I see people swerving too. I think.. hmm.. are they drunk, texting, putting on their make-up. So I am very aware of other drivers while I'm on the highway. If you have managed to go this long without being on them and you are content with that than keep doing what you're doing. The main concern would be to lose your job over it, but if you have a friend that takes you, than that great! I wish you *peace*

Try practicing in baby steps. Decide if you want to go alone or with a trusted loved one. Choose the least busy time of day in your area. Night time might actually be a little more calming for you, but maybe not? Choose your route ahead of time. Get on at one exit and off at the next and go home. Then praise yourself for doing it no matter how you felt about it. Make yourself do it on a schedule every day or every other day. When you have done it a set number of times reward yourself with something special. After that go for two exits, etc. Make sure you praise the heck out of yourself and keep rewarding yourself. Eventually you will get so bored with this routine you will be an old pro. Good Luck!! You can do it!!

My mother-in-law has always avoided driving on freeways. More recently, she takes anti-anxiety medicine even when she's a passenger.
I'm not good at getting on the freeway, especially when there's heavy traffic, but once I'm on the freeway I'm OK. It doesn't matter whether I'm going 10 miles or 50 miles, it's a bunch of cars moving at similar speeds in the same direction. If I'm not feeling up to driving on the freeway, I take the feeder road. Around here, they're on both sides of the freeway. Like having more freeway lanes, but slower and with traffic lights.
What makes me more nervous is driving in the city. Trying to watch for pedestrians, traffic lights, stop signs, turning cars, one way streets, speed limits, and parking spaces all at the same time is overwhelming. Especially if I'm still dizzy from driving on the freeway.....

I'm not as bad when I'm in a "smaller town" but when we lived in the Houston area, FOR-GET it! I thought Dallas was bad but Dallas wasn't as bad as Houston...I was PETRIFIED when I HAD to get on the loop or the freeways there and it had to be in a HAVE to case to drive on them or else someone else was doing the driving & I'd hafta close my eyes & grip the grab bar hoping we'd make it! Otherwise, I left way early to get where I needed to go to avoid the freeways. It was HORRIBLE. I don't like driving on freeways but if I'm familiar w/the road then I'm more okay w/it but if I'm on vacation or on a roadtrip, I'm one of those 'granny drivers' you hate to get behind b/c I'm so nervous so knowing this, I don't get mad so much now when I get behind a 'granny driver', I'll just get behind them & feel a little safer knowing I can sorta get away w/driving slower. I've stopped caring about the road-ragers that flip me off or zip around me "showing me who's in charge" b/c they can just go around & move along...I'll just keep driving at my comfort level & so what if they get mad. Luckily, when I rent a car out of state for whatever reason, a lot of times it has an out of state tag on it from somewhere else so I sometimes feel that residents are a little forgiving when they see a 'tourist' & help me out which makes me feel better. I HATE those high, curvy bridges over freeways too...I always hafta slow down to like 30 mph & usually make the drivers behind me mad so they tailgate me, which does NOT help! & I just keep praying to please let me get to the other end of the bridge unharmed. Like another poster said, I too hafta hold a deathgrip on the wheel & sit all the way up against the wheel b/c it's SO unnerving. I hate the big multilane freeways that have more than one name & there's no warning to say it's changing names or gives you little time to get over to go where you need to or has so many lanes of cars that you just cannot get over where you need to no matter how long you have your blinker on, no one will let you in...so unnecessary! I'd say just take your time & so what if you feel you hafta drive a bit slower...it's better to drive a bit slower at a comfortable level & make it to where you're going than to mess up by being in a hurry or being a basket case state of mind trying to keep up w/all the crazy drivers out there. Good luck!

I used to get really scared being a passenger while on the freeway. I read to repeat "I am safe" over and over again. It took many roadtrips to work, bur now I rarely even think a out being fearful. It's crazy how that worked! I think if you start doing that when you think about the freeway, say those words out loud, and then in the car when you aren't on the freeway, then when you are a passenger on the freeway....then if you are accidentally on it while driving, just repeat those words. Hopefully that helps a little bit...sorry you have that fear! Definitely look into others ways to conquer it; seems pretty bad :( I know you can do it!! :)

Reminds me of a joke made in one of the Matrix movies. They're getting directions during a chase scene and the person giving directions tells them hurriedly to go onto the freeway. There is this moment of panic of "he didn't just say that!" "he must be mad!", you don't go on the freeway, it's chaotic and impossible to predict. There's truth behind that whole scene LOL
When I first learned to drive, freeway driving was the hardest for me to get comfortable with. But where I live you can't actually get anywhere without freeway driving (Southern California..we're one big freeway!). Or it could take you all day to get the shortest distance. So I had to just keep at it and do it. The more I did it the better I got until now it's just a fact of life.
I agree with other posters about looking into a driving school that might be able to help you out or if you have a trusted friend or if you trust your husband, leave your kids with a sitter for an hour or so to not have them there to worry about. Little steps at a time. One off ramp to the next, stay in the slow lane.
You can do it!!

Aw, I'm sorry :-(

Sounds like you need some help curbing the anxiety. If it's so bad that it's affecting your life, then I would seek out help. You shouldn't live like that.

I've always wondered what the psychology is behind a phobia like this, because the majority of car accidents happen close to home, which is usually on a surface street in/near your neighborhood, and when you're not going freeway speeds.

Depending on where you live, it's hard to not use freeways. I can't really avoid them where I live, depending on where I need to go. I don't love freeways, but I use them because they make my life easier.

please take baby steps and don;t stress yourself out over this - so what if you dislike freeways if you can avoid these great and when you can't don't eel pressured by other vehicles just go at your own pace and drive in the lane that has all the exits............I know easier said than done.....it might not be a bad idea to get some help for the anxiety.
I would also suggest getting a GPS in your car and putting the address in ahead of time - some of these even have the feature to avoid highways...........this way you will not be overly stressed about getting lost!

In Southern California you can't avoid freeways, so I have to drive on them daily...multiple times, through lots of construtcion, traffic, rush hour, etc. I would rather take the freeway then the surface streets.
I always wondered why when my inlaws come to visit (about a 35 minute drive on a freeway) my MIL never drove. She will not, and does not drive on any freeway..ever. She learned to drive in her early 30's, and she's 72 right now. So about 40 years of driving and she's rarely been on a freeway. My FIL is the only one who drives on the freeways, but around town she's fine.
So, you're not alone.
If you're having a full on panick attack, maybe seek the help of a professional? It couldn't hurt. Big hugs to ya, you're not a basket case! =)

I get a level of anxiety any time I am driving, freeway being the worst. But it's not severe. It's just the knowledge that if people arent' careful drivers, we could crash and die! Makes me nervous and very alert any time I drive.

I watched "Obsession" (reality show) on Netflix. You might want to look it up. There is a girl that does the same thing. She totally freaks out like you are describing. She went to therapy over it and got better. Now she's not afraid. You might want to watch it to see if it helps at all. I think it was the first or second episode of the show. I've only watched a few of them, starting at the beginning, so it can't be too far into it.

my ex sister in law is the same way. She REFUSES to drive on the freeway as a driver. As a passenger she is ok. When i first started driving I refused to go on Freeways and Bridges. Eventually I had to over come my fear as around where I live, you can't take just side roads to different destinations.

I still fear driving period. heck i fear death. but i can't let my fears run my life. Accidents happen, death will happen. We can not prevent it...as its always the other person! lol

living in fear is depressing. I would honestly try to over come that fear. Take baby steps. Have someone go with you who is supportive, understanding, calm and collective and can help you out of your panic attack, direct you and help you recover. Do it with someone you trust. Otherwise you will always live with this fear and really shelter yourself and your kids.

Good luck to you.