[whathousework?]

A few years back we were driving on the highway and were sideswiped by a truck that overtook us (minor damage, no injuries). Since then I've been getting more and more afraid of trucks when I'm driving, particularly if they are coming up behind me or towards me on 2 laned highways with no shoulders. I live in a regional area, so the stress this causes me is becoming a PITA. I'm by no means a bad driver, and am aware of the capabilities of my car and my ability to drive it. I'm also aware, and generally comfortable with, my many and varied neuroses (I hate flying (pass the drugs) and had an elevator fear for a few years there). I have recently taken a casual job which is 50km out of town and about 15 minutes of the trip is on a 2 laned highway with no shoulder (ie no white line on the left). 100km is the posted speed and there are four 'bridges' I have to cross on this stretch of road. The bridges don't have railings, just concrete about a foot up each side.

I've taken this job to force myself to have to do the drive once or twice a week, figuring exposure is the best form of therapy. So, does anyone else have the same problem, or similar? What do you do to get yourself through it.

Also, I used to take anti anxiety medication, but weaned off it (under medical supervision) earlier this year. I figure I'm just prone to being more neurotic than your average Joe Blo and should find a better, more sustainable, way to deal with it

This post has been edited by whathousework?: 13/11/2012, 11:13 PM

[Tobias'smum]

a friend had a similar fear so she got in contact to someonewho drove a truck and went on a few rides with them and while not completly cured she is alot more comfortable near a truck on the road

[trishalishous]

im not a fan of driving in the city, but I just didnt drive or 2 years, so no help here sorry

[somila]

I was knocked off my bike by a car when I was a teenager and for many months afterward would flinch when I saw a car coming from the left in my peripheral vision. Eventually this automatic (and perfectly understandable) response went away.

I don't like driving to unfamiliar places on major roadways (find it very stressful) so if I absolutely have to, I try to do a dummy run when I have no deadlines to meet on a quiet day or time of day.

Not sure if there are any specific times when trucks are less common, and you can practise the route, observing the road width etc and your options for staying safe if a truck approaches?

I also find talking to myself (yes, another sign of madness), about what I am observing on the road and what I have to do, is helpful. Saw this on a show about driver training for police - the ones that do chases etc.

Best wishes.

[Yomumma]

I've very recently developed a bit of a fear of highway driving after a near accident recently..No advice other than to drive a bit slower..

[*LucyE*]

No advice other than to drive a bit slower..

Unless speed was a contributing factor to your accident, I don't see how a blanket approach of driving slower is useful? Unnecessarily slow drivers contribute to accidents too.

OP, what about doing a defensive driving refresher course?

There are tips and etiquette for most roads that makes driving a more pleasant experience for all. I learned to drive on roads with loads of big trucks so picked up tips subconsciously watching my parents drive. I noticed some of my friends had no idea when I drove with them.

My DH taught me some more about driving on regional country roads. It's about understanding other road users so you can prempt what they need/will do and then adjust your driving accordingly.