Anxious driver? Here's how to steer clear of accidents
Illegal turns are very common on the roads, but how many people stay alert and can avoid them becoming an accident?
The number one thing we are taught when learning to drive is to stay alert and follow the rules of the road.
However, most motorists don't follow this rule when driving. Apart from speed, the leading cause of accidents is negligence.
A woman, Dee, who centres her content around battling her driving anxiety, shared a video that showed another driver almost collide with her.
Admittedly, it may not have been good for her anxiety, but the fact that she is facing her fears daily by getting back into the driver's seat says something about her courage and will to push forward.
In the video, she takes off from a stop, and then we see another vehicle approaching her when it seems like it's her right of way.
She wrote that while driving home from work, a fellow driver made an illegal turn and almost caused a head-on collision. It looked like she handled it in a calm and cool manner, but can you imagine what could've happened if she had not been alert?
Watch the video from TikTok below.
@heyitsd_ ek sweer ek kom ook als oor 🤦🏽♀️ #justdorianne #drivingtok #anxiousdriver #overcomingdrivinganxiety #drivinganxietyjourney #drivingjourney #drivewithme #awarenessandplanning ♬ original sound - Ohioboy27
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Another person who suffers from driving anxiety said, "My driving anxiety is through the roof. Why is it that as soon as we get confident, then nonsense happens?"
Dee replied, "Girl, it's the same here. There are days when I feel like taking the bus because I can't deal with driving and the stress that comes with it; it's exhausting."
Another wrote, "Driving in Cape Town is like driving in Jumanji every day; one has to be grateful to get to your destination and home safely."
This is why it's best to set off slowly when the traffic light changes to green. This way, you can adjust to safety if someone else drives recklessly.
Check out these valuable tips on how to stay safe and calm on the road:
- Prepare your route - avoid using busy roads so that you can manage your anxiety.
- Steer clear of peak traffic - if possible, plan your timings to avoid traffic jams, especially during bad weather. Traffic can add to your anxiety.
- Keep your car well-maintained. Perform regular oil, water, and tyre pressure checks and overall tyre safety checks. Also, make sure all your lights are working (headlights, indicators, brake lights, etc.) and service your car regularly.
- Keep items that soothe or comfort you close by. This could be playing your favourite song, car incense, drinking water or a warm cup of tea.
- Breath work - practice breathing techniques. Breathing helps calm your nervous system and will help calm your mind.
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Image Courtesy of TikTok