{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Driving Stress? Find your Call Behind the Wheel","text":"\u003Cp\u003EDon’t let anxiety control your driving. Discover strategies to manage triggers, build confidence, and enjoy a more peaceful journey.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"How to manage driving anxiety and feel calmer on the road","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1715586147919/driving-anxiety-promo.png","alt":"Young lady sitting on couch with knees tucked and face turned away","width":3840,"height":2160},"date":"2025-09-15T12:35:00.000Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"How to manage driving anxiety and feel calmer on the road","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeaderBanner","color":"semitransparent","model":{"title":"How to manage driving anxiety","text":"\u003Cp\u003EDriving anxiety is more common than you think. This guide shares practical strategies, from breathing techniques and route planning to creating a calming in-car environment, to help you stay focused, feel more confident and manage anxiety behind the wheel.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/_jcr_content/root/main/section/item.shellimg.png/1757404094759/driving-anxiety.png","alt":"Young lady sitting on couch with knees tucked and face turned away","width":2193,"height":960},"date":"2025-09-15T12:35:00.000Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/item"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy_copy","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Sept. 15, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy_copy.shellimg.png/1757567060320/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1077948173_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EFrom breathing exercises to smart prep habits, these strategies can help you feel more at ease before and during your drive.\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere’s no shortage of things to watch out for on the road – the speed limits, traffic, GPS direction and the driver behind you who’s a little too close. But sometimes, it’s what’s happening internally that can be the hardest to manage.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDriving anxiety can creep in slowly or appear suddenly, and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad or unsafe driver. It means your brain is in self-protect mode. But with the right tools, you can help calm it down.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis guide offers practical techniques to help you feel more at ease behind the wheel.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EUnderstand your personal triggers\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEveryone’s driving anxiety looks a little different. For some, it’s tunnels or high bridges. For others, it’s driving next to large trucks, in heavy rain or on highways.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding your fear of driving starts with identifying what makes you feel unsettled. Keep a note (either mentally or written) of what makes you feel anxious on the road. It might help you prepare better or avoid high-pressure routes until you feel more in control.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EBreathe before you begin\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re feeling anxious before starting the car, taking a few slow, deep breaths can help regulate your nervous system and steady your mindset. You don’t need to spend 10 minutes meditating – just take a moment to pause, settle and centre yourself.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETry this:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBreathe in for four counts, hold for four, breathe out for four. Repeat a few times. It’s a simple \u003Ca href=\"https://www.calm.com/blog/box-breathing\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebox breathing\u003C/a\u003E technique that can lower your heart rate and calm pre-drive nerves.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EMap your route, reduce the pressure\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re running late or unsure where you are going, unfamiliar roads can trigger anxiety. Take a few minutes to plan your trip in advance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELook for quieter times to travel, avoid complex intersections if possible, and ensure your GPS’s voice directions are on so you can keep your focus on the road. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to stay calm and in control.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ECreate a calming driving environment\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA cluttered car can amplify stress. Take a few minutes each week to tidy your car, remove distractions and create a peaceful space.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMusic or podcasts can also make a big difference. Choose sounds that keep you relaxed and avoid anything too intense or fast-paced.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ECheck your posture and grip\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWithout realising it, \u003Ca href=\"https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/anxiety\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eanxiety often shows up in the body\u003C/a\u003E. Are your shoulders tense? Are you gripping the wheel too tightly? Feeling sweaty?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore you start driving, take a moment to reset your body. Relax your shoulders, loosen your hands and unclench your jaw. Small physical changes can send powerful signals of calm to your brain.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPractice tricky situations in low-stress settings\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf certain driving tasks cause you stress – like merging, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-overcome-parking-anxiety-and-reverse-parallel-park-with-confidence.html\"\u003Eparking\u003C/a\u003E or navigating roundabouts – try practising in quieter conditions first.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis might mean heading out on a Sunday morning when roads are quiet, or doing a few practice laps in a quiet industrial area. By gradually building your comfort in a lower-stress setting, you can increase confidence without overwhelming yourself.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EDon’t hesitate to get help\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf driving anxiety is holding you back, it’s okay to ask for support. A psychologist or mental health professional can help you work through the root cause and give you tools to manage it. You can also talk to your GP or reach out to trusted services like:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBeyond Blue – 1300 224 636\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELifeline – 13 11 14\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESANE Australia – \u003Ca href=\"http://sane.org/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esane.org\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re recovering from an accident, you may also want to read our story on how to ease back into driving after a \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/overcoming-driving-anxiety-after-a-car-accident.html\"\u003Ecar accident\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested 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behind the wheel? Learn practical ways to manage fear of driving and ease anxiety with tips and calming techniques.","date":"2025-09-15T12:35:00.000Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"How to manage driving anxiety and feel calmer on the road | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-deal-with-on-road-anxiety"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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