Driving, Scariest. Thing. Ever.

[Verp]

I can't even start to think about driving.

I have car phobia -- I get panic attacks when I'm in a moving car and I've almost fainted a couple of times when I was surprised by a car coming from a blind angle. The attacks are not very severe or anything, but enough to make me dread driving a car because when I spaz out, I can't control my limbs. Me behind a steering wheel would be disastrous.

 

[lacktheknack]

I CAN'T STAND DRIVING.

Seriously, I'd make a terrible driver because I have slow reflexes. My mother insists I learn though.

Urgh. I'd rather be scaling those damned cliffs in PEI again than go drive. No equipment, thirty foot drop to sharp rocks, slippery handholds, fat. It's still better than driving.

 

[Vidiot]

I was more terrified of my father sitting next to me at first, but I was still terrified every time I got behind the wheel for years after. After that, I moved to St Paul, MN. Nine months of driving in that city will teach you how to control your vehicle in ways you wouldn't think to test in a small town. We have some of the nicest drivers that I've seen anywhere (I don't travel much, but Chicago sucks), but it's still nerve-wracking.

The lesson I learned is that you have to get used to the vehicle until it becomes an extension of yourself. Your perception is extended by the mirrors, and you are now responsible for this piece of steel and plastic that you're going to hurl down the road at 60-80 mph.

As for the ice thing, find a parking lot with a good amount of ice and packed-down snow, empty, and make sure either the place is closed, or you know the staff/owners. Then take your car and practice losing and regaining control of the vehicle. Arrange tighter and faster turns until you feel the tires lose grip, then let off the gas until they grip again. Practice. Seriously.

personal gripe: use your blinkers, look before changing lanes, and don't be an asshole.
Thank you.

 

[carletonman]

I learned to drive on a zamboni (how typically Canadian), which was great for learning how to control slides and direction control (Zambonis have a front end bigger than an old caddy). It all boils down to practicing. Lots and lots of practicing. Learn on a variety of different vehicles, like big trucks, small trucks, tractors, hell, anything you can lay your hands on.

If you live in a place where there's lots of snow, go out and find a big empty parking lot (wal mart is an excellent option) and practice skid recovery. You may poop the first time it happens, but its better to have it happen in an empty lot than on an icy backroad filled with trees and ditches.

Finally: once you're out on the roads, ALWAYS use turn signals, check blind spots, and don't drive slowly in the inside lane (unless you're booking it!)

 

[CactiComplex]

The first time I drove I tried to drive off with the handbrake on, then rammed a high curb and carved out a chunk of wheel trim. It wasn't that scary for me, but my mum refused to take me out after that until I'd had some lessons.

Now the scary thing is trying to drive her hulk of a car at more than 50mph without panicking.

 

[ChaoticKraus]

Holy crap, i turned on the computer today and suddenly i had the hot topic badge! Thanks for all the replies!

 

[Private Custard]

If you wanna know fear hop on a motorcycle and drive into the centre of the busiest town you can find during rush hour. In cars your protected by all that lovely metal, seat belt, plastic and air bags. On a bike you just gotta hold on.

Obviously this guy missed the safety briefing......he's an even more mental filterer than I used to be on my GpZ!!

 

[SirDoom]

Driving isn't that scary unless you get into a wreck. If you're driving an automatic, it's mostly boring. My experience with a manual is limited though, seeing as how I don't drive for the sake of driving like a lot of car enthusiasts.

That being said, there's nothing quite like going around a sharp curve at high speeds in a halfway decent car. That's the great thing about living on the very edge of a small town. Plenty of rural roads. Long straight sections, plenty of small, medium, and sharp curves, uphill and downhill... It's the perfect place to drive if you just want to get out of the house for a bit.

(On that note, I'm currently in college in a larger town... and I refuse to get off the highways or go downtown. Even the highways are always congested though =/ )

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I'll be 23 on Saturday and I haven't got a full license. I really dislike driving and where I live, there is a great public transit service so I don't really need to drive anyway. When I did drive though, I was intimidated. As long as I was going straight I was alright. Turning left wasn't bad either but I hated backing up, turning right, getting on the highway, getting off of the highway...etc. I've acted both on-stage and off and feel the same as you: far more comfortable making an ass of myself than trying to pilot an X-Ton death machine. Well, not death machine but you know what I mean.

 

[auronvi]

I am scared shit-less all the time out driving. Not because I am bad at it, oh no sir. I am scared because I am constantly seeing people make poor driving decisions that can cause accidents all the time. I rage at these people. Helps me cope with the terror. So many people shouldn't be driving it is insane.

People who speed on streets with stop lights. You are not going to get anywhere any faster by going 25 mph over the speed limit. Every time I see one of these people, they speed past me and then I roll up next to them at the next stop light or two. Waste of gas and unnecessarily increasing the chances of an accident for those around you.

People who never use their turn signal. Just common courtesy to let the guy behind you know where your going so they can plan accordingly. I hate when the guy in front slams on his brakes to make a right turn with no signal or a way too late signal.

And finally I hate tailgaters. I know if he hits me it is his fault, but some people get so close that I am afraid to even brake. I hate it even if the tailgater isn't on me but I see one on someone else I just ask myself, "Why? Why are you so close to them?" It's not cause they are going too slow. Cause usually it happens on a two lane street and they make no move to go around so I just don't get it!

Lot's of reasons to fear driving but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. It is good that you are afraid because it can be very dangerous and most likely you will be in an accident once in your life but if you just follow all the rules of the road and be courteous than you just decrease the chances significantly.

EDIT: Grammar