Panic attacks are common and can happen at any time or in any situation. Experiencing a panic attack while driving can be very frightening, so it can be helpful to know what to do if this happens and what you can do to help prevent the occurrence of further panic attacks while driving.
Key takeaways
- Panic while driving can be associated with driving anxiety, phobias, previous accidents, or other stressors.
- When symptoms impair safe driving, reaching a safe place to stop takes priority.
- Professional treatment and practiced coping strategies can reduce recurring panic and avoidance of driving.
What could cause a panic attack while driving?
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which individuals experience regular panic attacks that occur suddenly and with no apparent trigger. This means that someone with panic disorder could experience a panic attack at any time, including while driving[1].
People with a diagnosis of panic disorder also commonly experience ongoing anxiety and fear of another panic attack occurring, which could actually cause the occurrence of a panic attack.
For example, someone who has experienced a panic attack while driving may be afraid of this happening again, thus causing increased stress and anxiety which may lead to another panic attack[1][2].
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Anxiety, panic, and relationship stress
View profilePhobias
Panic attacks can also occur in the context of specific phobias. For example, someone may experience driving phobia or a phobia of bridges or tunnels, which could cause the occurrence of a panic attack while driving and facing a feared stimulus[3][4].
Anxiety about driving
Fear of another panic attack can lead someone to avoid places or activities associated with an earlier attack. When driving becomes one of those activities, assessment can help identify whether panic disorder, a specific phobia, or another problem is involved[5][1].
Previous car accident
A person might be more likely to experience a panic attack while driving if they have been involved in a car accident previously, particularly if the accident caused severe damage or harm to the vehicle or person involved. This could cause symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a fear of being involved in another accident, which could increase the risk of a panic attack occurring[4][6].
Stressful situations prior to driving
As panic attacks can be brought on or worsened by high stress levels, the risk of having a panic attack while driving may be increased if the individual encounters a stressful situation prior to beginning their journey in the car. Stressors could be related to work, relationships, or personal situations[3][7].
Historical life stressors
Similarly, a history of trauma, abuse, severe life stressors, or other anxiety disorders can cause ongoing or chronic stress and anxiety, thus potentially increasing the likelihood of a sudden panic attack occurring at any time or in any situation[3][7].
What are the dangers of having a panic attack while driving?
Dangerous actions
If panic symptoms interfere with driving, prioritize road safety. Pull over and park in a safe place when you can do so safely[5].
Worsening anxiety
Panic disorder can involve persistent fear of another attack and changes in behavior intended to prevent it. When this fear interferes with driving or daily life, professional assessment is appropriate[1].
Overly cautious driving
A therapist can help plan a gradual return to avoided situations. The plan should take account of driving safety and the individual’s symptoms[5][8].
Prevent driving in future
Avoiding activities because of fear of another panic attack can restrict daily life. Treatment can help address both the attacks and the avoidance that follows[1][8].
How to deal with panic attacks while driving
Pull over
If symptoms occur while driving, pull over and park safely. Do not assume that a fixed number of minutes makes it safe to drive again; wait until you can concentrate and control the vehicle safely[3][5].
Continue driving
Alternatively, if it is not safe or appropriate to pull over, you should continue to drive, to ensure your own and others’ safety. Also, you may be able to utilize some coping strategies while driving to help you reduce your panic attack symptoms quickly.
By continuing to drive during and after a panic attack, you can confront your fears and prove to yourself that you are confident and capable of managing a panic attack while driving. Proving this to yourself could thereby reduce or prevent the reoccurrence of panic attacks while driving in the future[7][8].
Don’t avoid driving
CBT and exposure therapy can help people approach activities they have been avoiding. If driving triggers panic, work with a qualified clinician on a gradual, safe plan rather than forcing yourself to drive while symptoms impair your ability[9][3][1].
Breathing exercises
During a panic attack, breathing exercises can be very helpful in reducing the physical symptoms experienced. If you have a panic attack while driving, try taking slow and deep breaths. As you breathe, count the inhale and exhale. This can reduce your heart rate and increase blood flow, make it easier to focus on driving, and help you to return to a calm state quicker[3][7].
Other coping techniques
You may have other useful coping strategies that you have practiced during panic attacks. You can use these strategies if a panic attack occurs while driving.
For example, try telling yourself that this will pass, that you are not in any danger, and that you are in control. This can help to reduce your fear and help panic attack symptoms subside[9].
Similarly, you might find it useful to put on a song you like and can sing along to. You could also try focusing on something outside of the car, such as counting how many red cars you pass. This can help to distract you from the physical and emotional sensations you are experiencing[3][7].
Avoiding substances
Some people use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with the distress caused by experiencing panic attacks, but this can potentially worsen mental and physical health, increase the risk of further panic attacks, and increase the risk of accidents while driving.
You may wish to also avoid drinking caffeine while driving. Caffeine can cause similar sensations to those that are experienced during a panic attack, such as increased heart rate[7][9].
What further treatment is available?
If you experience panic attacks while driving and this is impacting your overall wellbeing, you may wish to seek professional advice. A doctor may be able to provide you with a diagnosis and recommend or prescribe appropriate treatment.
Therapy
Various types of therapy have been found to be useful in reducing panic attacks and driving anxiety, such as virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other talk therapies.
These interventions can help to increase distress tolerance, and teach coping strategies, reduce anxieties. They can also help individuals to understand underlying causes of panic attacks, which can help to reduce your symptoms[1][3][8].
Medication
Your doctor may decide to prescribe a medication to help reduce your panic attacks and any other symptoms you experience, depending on your diagnosis and condition. This might include an antidepressant, beta-blocker, or benzodiazepine[1][7]. However, you should always talk to your doctor about taking medication whilst driving so that you fully understand any risks.
Self-help
Various self-help techniques can be helpful in reducing the occurrence and severity of panic attacks. Self-help techniques can also help reduce other symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Self-help techniques can include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, utilizing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and practicing breathing exercises[3][7].
