Driving is not very difficult for most motorists, but for some people it is a very stressful activity every time. Fear of merging into the freeway can play a role.
Fear of driving is sometimes referred to as vehicular phobia. Literally: Fear of driving yourself. One of the most stressful activities for motorists is merging on the highway among oncoming traffic.
A police station in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia once called this “one of the greatest mysteries in human history” on its Facebook page. In Germany they even came up with a separate term for it:German fear“.
Especially during road works, slip ways on the highway are a disaster for some. The lanes are often narrow and the length of the merging lane is also often shortened. “Every day, thousands of motorists face this seemingly insurmountable challenge,” said the Märkisches Kreis police in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Tips for getting rid of your fear of driving
With a few tips, you’re trying to get rid of the fear of the trail. First of all, according to the police, you have to keep panting in the entry lane and not dive into the first pothole you see on the motorway at 60 kilometers per hour. For your reassurance: you can even overtake cars or trucks on the right here.
The second tip is: look in the mirrors several times and then over your shoulder to make sure no one is next to you, then turn off the turn signal and steer gently to the left. Please note: Highway traffic in Holland always takes priority, so don’t just throw your car in between. However, in many cases, space is provided by other motorists.
The ride procedure does not apply
Another interesting point: the trip procedure does not apply here, so look carefully when there is a gap in the traffic flow. Top tip: don’t stress! According to the officers, there is no abyss at the end of the entry path. If you don’t find room to incorporate, you can simply use the hard shoulder. You can’t be fined for that.
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