What causes anxiety while driving and how to feel more confident – we tell you with the car sharing service Citydrive and a psychologist.
Why driving a car can be scary
Image: Citydrive / Maria Mureeva / Burning Izba
Among Russian drivers there are still men make up the majority – they are more than 68% of the total number. The reason why women drive less may be hidden not only in reluctance, but also in lack of confidence in their abilities. But it’s normal to be afraid: according to study Citydrivefear of driving feels every fifth woman. The reasons may be different:
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Negative experience. Fear at times arises those who have previously experienced an accident or collided with other difficulties. For example, a person may replay in his head how he once got lost or stalled on the highway, and worry that the situation will happen again. And sometimes even other people’s stories about incidents on the road cause anxiety.
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Condemnation of the environment. Survey Citydrive shows that 37% of women regularly receive advice and hurtful comments about their driving style. Sometimes this happens even at the learning stage. This can be especially unpleasant if the criticism comes from people close to you, such as a husband or father. Such stereotypes may drive to the fact that a woman will make mistakes more often.
If there are people around you who make offensive jokes and you want it to stop, try to explain your feelings. For example, you might say, “I spent a lot of time learning to drive and I try to do it well, but when I hear comments like that, I feel discouraged. I wish we didn’t discuss my driving experience.” But if you don’t have the strength, you don’t have to have a conversation. Try to find people who are sympathetic to women driving and can support you. Even if it is an online community.
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Long break. Some people stop driving immediately after finishing driving school. According to experts, after a long break the driver is worse feels vehicle dimensions, distance and intervals. In addition, he may forget that he needs to look not only forward at the road, but also to the sides.
How to overcome fear
1. Practice in a calm environment
To begin with, you can go to small country roads or to the parking lot of a shopping center, that is, to places where there is no active traffic. If you want to hone your skills on the road, it’s better to get behind the wheel early in the morning or on weekends. You can take an experienced driver as a support group who will help in difficult areas. But it is important that he does not make offensive jokes that can only demotivate.
If the road suddenly becomes scary, it is best to stop in a safe place. When this is not possible – for example, you are driving in traffic – try to concentrate on your breathing, feel how the air circulates as you inhale and exit. But don’t close your eyes or let your guard down. For some people, music helps them calm down; for others, silence helps them calm down. Focus on your feelings.
If you don’t have your own car, you can use car sharing for trips. IN Citydrive To do this, you will need a valid category B driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience. To use the service, you need to download the application, register with a driver’s license, passport and bank card. Car sharing operates in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi.
For the first trip for 1 ruble there is a promotional code IZBA, which must be entered in the “Promotional Codes” section. If the cost of the trip is more than 500 rubles, a discount of 500 rubles is provided. The promotional code is valid from March 4 to March 31, 2024 inclusive and only when renting at a per-minute rate.
2. Don’t hesitate to contact a specialist
Image: Citydrive / Maria Mureeva / Burning Izba
If your reluctance to drive is caused primarily by psychological experiences, you can sort them out together with a psychologist.
Fears are difficult to talk about, so many people hide them. You can get support from a psychologist, figure out why anxiety arose and how to cope with it. For example, if a person is afraid to be in a car after an accident, the EMDR method – eye movement desensitization and reprocessing – can help. But this is not the only way, so you can choose a specialist who practices other instruments.
After a long break, you can take a few lessons from a driving instructor. And also, take an emergency driving course. Will help you develop driving skills Citydrive. The app offers different rates: per minute for short trips, Fix for predictable trips at a fixed price, and multi-hour. You can rent a car for a long time, and in Moscow and St. Petersburg, subscriptions for 30 or 60 minutes a day are available. For regular customers there is a loyalty program that allows you to receive up to 15% cashback. With accumulated points you can pay up to 60% of the price of a trip, comprehensive insurance or travel on a toll road in a car with a transponder.
3. Check the car
Before the trip, it is better to make sure that the tires are inflated, there is enough gasoline for the entire route, and there is a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow rope and other necessary items in the trunk. It would be a good idea to see if you have taken your driving documents and insurance policies. Such a check can become a ritual that will allow you to distract yourself from negative thoughts and tune in to the road.
WITH Citydrive there is no need to doubt the serviceability of the cars. The average age of the fleet is 1.5 years. Here you will find transport for every taste: from classic internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. Cars have modern security systems, which include, for example, surveillance cameras and parking radar. Thanks to them, it will not be so scary to park even in a narrow space between cars. Car sharing rental also includes compulsory motor liability insurance and life and health insurance. If necessary, you can apply for comprehensive insurance directly in the application.
4. Check your route in advance
Image: Citydrive / Maria Mureeva / Burning Izba
While at home, it is advisable to look at the map, check the forks and think about how not to miss the right turn. If there is a difficult section ahead, for example a roundabout, you can re-read the traffic rules or watch a video analysis of the rules. It is better to allow more time for the journey so that you do not have to rush. If you plan to take one route regularly, such as to work, you may want to consider driving it with an experienced driver in advance or early in the morning when the traffic is less intense.
By the way, in the appendix Citydrive you can add a “Favorite Address” option for traveling home, to work, or on another route. An increased cashback of up to 25% will be awarded for it.
5. Find out more about the machine
If you’re afraid that your car’s turn signals or windshield wiper won’t work, find out why this most often happens. You can find a way out of some situations yourself. It’s worth learning how to change a flat tire. This can be done in 10–15 minutes by parking on the side of the road.
Have a friend you can call if you have any questions. Don’t be afraid to stop passing cars and ask other motorists for help; such mutual assistance is common on the road. For serious breakdowns, it’s a good idea to have contact with a reliable car service center. And when traveling to Citydrive You can contact support: operators will help in case of a breakdown, accident, or if you can’t figure out an unfamiliar car.