Anais Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 I recently moved to one of largest US cities. Traffic is so terrible. I am driving around only if I really have to: store, park, school, doctor… I take a shuttle to work trying to avoid the traffic. But one cannot really survive without driving here. I am scared to take highways. I don’t have experience to drive in a big city. My husband is overseas so I don’t have anyone to help me to get used to the traffic. I don’t have friends here yet. Soon I need to go some place with my 6 years old daughter that I cannot avoid taking the highway. So many people everyday are injured in car accidents. How one overcomes the fear? Any advice? Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 I took driving lessons when I didn't own a car and didn't get my license (it snowed that day! LOL) Later, when I did have a car and wanted to get my license, I signed up for a few lessons to have someone get me over a little fear but also to tell me if I had any bad habits, etc. Maybe try calling a driving school and ask for a couple of lessons to help out! Link to post Share on other sites
Girlie Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 I understand. I was terrified of driving in Seattle when I first moved there. The streets and highways are like a messy maze of gridlock, and the hills seem like 90 degree angles. Really the only way I found to get over it was tackle it head on. Get out there and drive. Once I familiarized myself with the area and felt comfortable calling it home, it didn't seem like such a big deal anymore. I knew it sounds so simple and terrifying, but in order to conquer your fears, you've got to face them. I can't really think of any other way. Try to relax a little while you're driving. Put in your favorite music. Take a drive just for the fun of it. Take in the surrounding scenary. Talk to yourself while you're driving about how it's not such a big deal. Just some things that might help. I wish you luck! Link to post Share on other sites
Author Anais Posted September 4, 2004 Author Share Posted September 4, 2004 Won’t they take away my license if I call the school? The hardest is when you don’t know the way so you have to drive and look for the street names…Yes I just have to face it. I am already ok in the part of city that I live. But it is so big! Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 Won’t they take away my license if I call the school? No! There's nothing wrong with asking for a refresher!!! It's much smarter than venturing out, terrified, possibly to make mistakes without a coach to help! Link to post Share on other sites
Author Anais Posted September 4, 2004 Author Share Posted September 4, 2004 Right, I will call on Monday. I need to get US license sometime soon anyway. Also I need to register my car in this state. I will stay here for nine months and then move to a different [ third for me] state. Can I be in trouble if I just drive with my old plates here? The low says if you are for more than 6 months i then you have to change the plates. It is something like 300$ to change the plates. Some people told me not to change it just for 9 months. Will I get into a trouble because of it? What do you think should I change the plates? Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 Well, I don't know about where you are, but in my town, I was told that the police are *very* strict. I was driving around with my new sticker in my purse and one of my neighbours told me that if I were caught, it'd be something like $400. even with them in my purse! You may not want to chance it. Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Spock Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 I had a friend that drove from Vegas to LA (bunch of friends) and these were small town people-had never SEEN a freeway before, much less driven on one. Needless to say, they were freaked. The oldest was chosen to drive, as she had the most experience-the only way she could do it and not freak out was to crank up Van Halen's "Running with the devil" for about 4 hours. I would advise dropping off your daughter at the daycare (school, whatever) and just driving. Put your favourite tunes on, and just get out there and do it. Get a map, and plan your routes out. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Anais Posted September 4, 2004 Author Share Posted September 4, 2004 I am in Phoenix now. Anyone from this area here? (I see it is not working to be anonymous on LS. Well I don’t care. Hoops, I had a few too intimate posts. ) I feel much better thinking to take few classes. I need to go to highway once or twice with someone then I can do it myself. I know how to go to airport using highway and that’s it. Link to post Share on other sites
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