In the previous article on driving fear and its sources, we reviewed what specialists consider driving phobia and how it can be linked to a prior automotive accident. This piece will continue to explore the findings from an article on driving fear by Taylor et al. (2002).
What Else Can Lead to Driving Phobia?
Besides an accident on the road, there are a number of potential contributors to the development of driving phobia. The researchers expressed concern over the lack of investigation into the various causes of driving fear.
Some of the alternative causes of driving phobia which are listed in the article are:
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Claustrophobia
- Fear of heights
- Driving skill/ability
Panic disorder is characterized by sudden attacks of anxiety and strong fear. The attacks involve high levels of distress and physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and heavy perspiration.
For a person with driving phobia, a panic attack could occur intermittently while he or she is driving. Some people with driving phobia, however, may be afraid to drive because the panic attacks are sporadic and not necessarily related to driving. In cases such as this, the fear is that a panic attack may suddenly occur during a drive and cause an accident.
Agoraphobia is usually linked to panic disorder. Agoraphobics are fearful of being trapped in an undesirable or dangerous situation. Many of them suffer from panic attacks and are scared of having one when others can see them. This usually leads to avoidance of many places, and in some cases it can restrict the agoraphobic to his or her home. This self-enforced “house arrest” can last for years.
A person with agoraphobia or claustrophobia (the fear of being in an enclosed space or suffocating) may develop driving phobia because of a dislike for being in a vehicle for long periods of time. Agoraphobics may also be fearful of driving because it takes them farther from home and their self-perceived safety. Agoraphobics worry that driving can potentially lead to an emergency situation from which escape may be impossible.
A fear of driving over bridges or on interstates could be explained by a fear of heights.
How Can Driving Ability Affect Anxiety?
The researchers propose that driving skill may be linked to driving fear. Drivers who have inadequate road skills may be understandably worried about getting behind the wheel.
Taylor and the other researchers in the study also suggest that with targeted driving practice and education, some people with driving phobia may show improvement.
