The extent and characteristics of driving anxiety

Research over the last two decades has resulted in improved understandings of the nature and characteristics of driving anxiety. However, we still do not know the extent of driving anxiety in the general population, as most studies have focused on clinical or vehicle accident samples, and the only population study is of older adults. The present study addressed this gap in knowledge using data from 441 people who responded to a survey sent to a random sample of 1500 adults recruited from the compulsory voting register in New Zealand. While 31% reported no driving anxiety, 52% endorsed mild driving anxiety and 16% reported moderate to severe driving anxiety. There were small but significant differences in the average age at which participants in these three groups started to learn to drive, but there were no differences in driving-related accidents and incidents over the past 12 months. Those with higher driving anxiety endorsed more anxiety about road rage, lower feelings of safety while driving, and more driving-related avoidance and negative cognitions than the less anxious participants. However, levels of helpseeking were low, and suggest the need to develop online self-help packages that are more accessible and acceptable to those experiencing driving anxiety.