Anxiety Is An Asset

Before I could even get my learner’s permit, my family drilled one particular phrase into my head: “You’re not just driving for yourself, you’re driving for everyone else on the road.” At the time, it felt like one of those sayings adults repeat for the sake of sounding wise, but the older I got and the closer I came to becoming a licensed driver, the more it began to shape the way I viewed driving. I wasn’t just excited about the freedom a license could bring; I was anxious. And that anxiety only increased once I started driving. I became so hyper-focused on what others were doing on the road that I often forgot to pay attention to what I needed to be doing as a safe, responsible driver.

One example that still frustrates me today is my tendency to forget to turn on my headlights at night. It sounds small, but it’s a dangerous oversight. Even when the road ahead was dim and the environment made it obvious that visibility was low, I’d somehow manage to miss this crucial step. The irony is that I was never unaware of the risks of driving at night . If anything, my awareness was the problem. My anxiety about other drivers being reckless or unpredictable made me so absorbed in watching them that I forgot to check my own settings, like lights, mirrors, and signals. You’d think that such concern would push me to make sure I could see clearly and be seen but in those moments, I was too externally focused to remember.

This experience taught me a lesson. While it’s important to be aware of other drivers, it’s just as important to stay present and grounded in my own responsibilities behind the wheel. I’ve since learned to create a mental checklist before I drive anywhere. Even if it adds just a few seconds before I pull off, it helps me feel more intentional and in control.

Another bad habit I’ve worked hard to fix is using my phone to change the music while driving. I love music. For me, there are few better feelings than cruising down the road with the windows down and the perfect song playing. Something I can only do alone because my family always complains about the sounds from the windows. But I find myself constantly reaching for my phone to skip songs I wasn’t in the mood for, especially when I use shuffle mode. Even if it was just for a second, it’s a dangerous distraction. One that can put me and everyone else around me at risk.

After realizing how often I reached for my phone, I knew I needed a better system. I started creating driving-specific playlists in advance, removing any songs I knew I wouldn’t want to hear. I love the convenience of shuffle mode, but some songs I’m not even sure how they got in my library. I also started using Apple Music’s “Up Next” feature to organize my queue ahead of time. This small habit has made a huge difference. Now, instead of reacting to my mood in the middle of a drive, I prepare for it beforehand. It allows me to enjoy my music while keeping my focus on the road where it needs to be.

These may seem like small moments, but they showcase a deeper truth about teen driving. The balance between freedom and responsibility. Driving gives teens a new level of independence, but it also introduces new risks. Every decision, no matter how minor it feels in the moment, whether it’s checking a phone or forgetting headlights, can have major consequences.

Safe driving habits aren’t just about following laws. They’re about cultivating awareness, discipline, and self-control. I’ve learned that just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s okay. Teen drivers are often confident because they’ve passed the permit test, but true safety comes with time, intention, and constant self-correction.

What’s helped me the most is learning to work with my anxiety instead of against it. In the past, I saw my nervousness about driving as a weakness. But now I see it as a reflection of how much I care. About my life, my passengers, and the strangers I pass on the road. The fact that I get nervous behind the wheel means I understand the power and responsibility that driving involves. That mindset, while at times uncomfortable, has made me a safer, more thoughtful driver. I’ve had to tell myself that concern is not a flaw, it can be an asset, especially if I channel it into preparation and awareness.

I know I still have more to learn as I gain experience behind the wheel, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. I’ve turned what used to be anxiety-driven mistakes into conscious safety strategies.

Ultimately, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that safe driving isn’t just about keeping myself safe, it’s about protecting everyone around me. Every decision I make has a ripple effect. My actions matter. And as a teen driver, understanding that and living by it is what makes all the difference.