Being independent is crucial for everyone, and learning to drive is a significant milestone in that direction. However, this journey is marked with mixed feelings and emotions for many new drivers. When you first learn to drive, being anxious is a common phenomenon. Navigating the road with your vehicle can trigger fear and apprehension. Driving safely requires proper coordination between the brain and the body.
If you are a resident of Birmingham, you must be aware that it has the highest number of accidents in England. Hence, we understand that fear and anxiety as a beginner are common. However, you can easily drive your vehicle by understanding what causes this fear and how you can overcome it. The following article delves into the psychological aspect of driving and provides strategies to conquer these fears and foster a positive learning experience.
How Does Our Brain Function While Driving
Imagine driving through a long road along with your friends. You are constantly talking, listening and at the same time driving your car. However, please note that being distracted or using your phone while driving can be dangerous. Driving doesn’t require some extraordinary skills, just a well-coordinated brain. Your brain is constantly working while driving, whether in a freeway or a congested area. A well-coordinated brain and keeping your eyes and ears open is crucial for driving. Well-functioning cognitive skills will ensure that you drive safely.
Cognitive Skills Required While Driving
- Attention and focus: Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and the road ahead. Diverting attention, texting, or daydreaming can lead to fatal accidents.
- Awareness: Being aware of the surroundings is a sign of a good driver. Drivers need to anticipate what other drivers might do and react accordingly.
- Decision making: Driving requires making decisions in split-seconds. Deciding when to apply the brake, accelerate, change lanes, or yield requires quick decision-making.
- Risk assessment: Evaluating potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them is essential. Drivers should assess the road conditions, visibility, and behaviour of other drivers to adjust their driving accordingly.
- Reasoning: Having cognitive flexibility is crucial when driving. Taking detours when a road is blocked or selecting an alternative route during rush hours requires reasoning.
Understanding Driving-Related Anxiety
Driving-related anxiety is broadly known as “vehophobia”. It can range from mild nervousness to intense panic attacks. The fear of driving is often rooted in accidents, losing control of the car or past negative experiences. The fear of failure can also lead to intense anxiety. As a beginner, all these phenomena are very common.
The city of Birmingham has more cars than anywhere else in England, making the roads more susceptible to mishaps. If you are not able to overcome your fear, then seeking guidance from expert Birmingham driving instructors is vital. Their useful insights and experience will help you overcome the fear.
Strategies to Overcome Anxiety
- Start gradually: Gradual exposure to driving situations can curb anxiety. Start practising in less crowded areas and progressively expose yourself to heavy traffic.
- Visualisation: Visualisation requires you to imagine driving situations with a calm mind. This technique can increase familiarity and confidence in navigating various situations.
- Practice and experience: Regular practice is the key to mastering any skill, including driving. Stay behind the wheel and drive as much as possible to overcome fear.
- Reflecting on the progress: Keeping a journal of your driving progress can help you stay motivated and identify improvement areas.
Conclusion:
Learning to drive is a journey that extends beyond mastering technical skills. The psychological aspect of this journey, including overcoming anxiety and building confidence, is equally important. By understanding the common fears related to driving and garnering techniques and skills to overcome these fears, you can become an ace driver in no time. So, the next time you are consumed with fear while you are behind the steering, take a deep breath, remember the tips mentioned above, and drive through the roads of Birmingham.