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by Donna Thacker

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Some people that have driving phobias also suffer from nervous conditions. I know because I am one of those people. All of the well written articles and advice in the world will not get us over this fear.

I do drive, but I am very choosy about when, where, and how I drive. I will not drive if I even think it might rain or storm. I will not drive if I even think it might snow or sleet before I can get back home. I will not drive on the Interstate. I am really good at getting where I need to go on two lane highways and country roads.

If this all sounds a little irrational to you, then you certainly do not have a driving phobia. Unless you have experienced the panic of these things, there is no way to understand. Those of us who have this phobia really don't understand it either; we just know it's there.

I am a good driver and have never had an accident. I've been in a few fender benders, but nothing with injuries. I was actually pretty much of a hot-rodder" in my younger days. I got pretty good at lining my 1969 GTO up at the quarter mile, and usually won. I loved racing and speed.

The older I got the more the nerves and fear set in. I know that driving in certain conditions makes me extremely nervous and therefore unsafe, both to myself and others on the road. So I don't drive unless it's clear and dry.

Crazy you say? Just get out there and do it? Yes, those of us with phobias have heard it all, and, again, if you haven't experienced the phobia, you just can't understand it. I have convinced myself to drive when I really didn't want to. The end result is usually just exhaustion from fighting my qualms the whole time.

There are all kinds of phobias out there. If someone fears something that someone else doesn't, then it's considered a phobia. I know people who can't stand to touch feet, and that seems silly, but not to that person. I know grown people who are terrified of tiny bugs. Their fear is quite real to them.

Thunderstorms terrify some people to the point of near panic, while other people love listening to the thunder and lightening. Phobias are what they are: one man's fear and one man's pleasure.

Phobias are quite real and quite stressful for those who experience them. A driving phobia is even more serious when you consider that the person with the phobia is not the only one in danger. Someone with a driving phobia needs to handle their emotions as only they no how. You cannot force someone to overcome their fear.

We will drive when, where and how we feel comfortable doing so. When we feel like we can't drive and shouldn't drive, well, we'll just stay home, or get someone else to drive. At least it works for me, and we're all safer for it.

Learn more about this author, Donna Thacker.

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