Driving & Travel Concerns

Anxiety related to driving or travel can develop suddenly or gradually. For some, it begins after an accident or near miss. For others, panic appears unexpectedly while on a highway, bridge, train, or airplane. Over time, avoidance can grow and daily life may feel smaller.

Transportation-related anxiety is common — and highly treatable.

After a Car Accident or Near Miss

You may experience:

Flashbacks while driving
Increased startle response
Avoidance of certain roads
Hypervigilance at intersections
Fear of losing control

Even minor accidents can shift how safe the road feels.

Driving Anxiety & Highway Panic

Highways, merges, and fast-moving traffic can trigger:

Racing heart
Dizziness
Urge to escape
Fear of fainting or crashing

Many capable drivers begin limiting routes or relying on others to drive.

Bridge and Tunnel Fear

Bridges and tunnels can trigger intense fear due to:

Height
Confinement
Perceived lack of escape
Past experiences

Avoidance often increases over time.

Panic as a Passenger

Loss of control while someone else is driving can lead to:

Physical tension
Anticipatory dread
Monitoring the driver constantly
Avoiding car rides altogether

This is especially common after accidents.

Fear of Flying

Flight anxiety may include:

Turbulence fear
Loss of control
Fear of panic during flight
Avoidance of travel or career opportunities

Public Transportation Anxiety

Trains, subways, and buses can trigger:

Claustrophobia
Panic
Social anxiety
Fear of being trapped

This may affect commuting to NYC, Philadelphia, or surrounding areas.

You do not have to organize your life around avoidance. With structured, specialized treatment, your nervous system can relearn safety and confidence.

If you’re ready to begin that process, the next step is understanding how treatment works.

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