Relationship Flashpoints #1 – Driving

Below I’ve listed some approaches I use to assist nervous passengers when I am driving.

Source info: Amaxophobia – https://nexusnursinginstitute.com/overcoming-car-passenger-anxiety-symptoms/

Step 1 – start in good time
Not in a rush, go out to the car first to check it is ready
Is the back clear if dogs are coming?
– are portable chairs needed? Is there ice on the windscreen? etc, etc.

Step 2 – satnav
setup satnav for the journey, with the route checked.

Step 3 – Distraction
Play the passenger’s favourite music, start a conversation which is unrelated to the journey and not about driving itself. If exams are imminent then a school revision subject is an engaging and neutral topic. If younger children are passengers too, then a car game like “I-spy” distracts a nervous passenger.

Step 4 – Smooth driving
Improve driving skills to ensure a smooth journey.
Sources: Advanced Driving Test, U.K.
Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) mantras are used on each journey.
If smooth, advanced driving skills are being used then the competent driver should beware being distracted by a nervous passenger.
A nervous passenger can “trigger” a driver into feeling stressed.
Therefore, the driver must have their own calming techniques, deep breathing, centre themselves back to the “flow” of concentrating on their driving. The competent driver has to realise that it’s their passenger who is nervous and not get caught in an emotional contagion which affects their own driving. i.e., “everyone panicking”.