Nervous Passenger

[PaulT]

Can anyone suggest sensible ways of calming my wife down when we are towing. We've never had any near misses, breakdowns etc but she gets herself into "a right state" whenever we are on roads that are anything other than a motorway. Roundabouts terrify her. I've suggested that she tries towing to see how easy it is but she won't.

Perhaps this would be a good article for PC mag!

Please help it's ruining our caravanning!

 

[CliveV]

Hi Paul - what about some calming music for a start.

Then perhaps try explaining to her how distracting it is for you as the driver. I doubt this last point will make her feel better but it may make her see the dangers.

Also what about a towing course? The two clubs run these and I am sure they would help.

I have some sympathy in that my Mother in Law talks non-stop in the car - she just will not stop. She is not a back steat driver - she has never driven - she just has the ability to make a trip to the Post Office provide her with an hour of nonstop talking.

What is your wife like when not towing?

 

[paul_5080226]

Hi Paul - what about some calming music for a start.

Then perhaps try explaining to her how distracting it is for you as the driver. I doubt this last point will make her feel better but it may make her see the dangers.

Also what about a towing course? The two clubs run these and I am sure they would help.

I have some sympathy in that my Mother in Law talks non-stop in the car - she just will not stop. She is not a back steat driver - she has never driven - she just has the ability to make a trip to the Post Office provide her with an hour of nonstop talking.

What is your wife like when not towing?

my wife is also nervous myself and my son has to tow the caravan to wherever we decide to go setup awning annexe and travel back home to pick her up with the dog

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

I am very sorry that your wife is so uncertain about towing. I think that Clive's suggestion of trying to attend a towing course is excellent. It is very important that your wife also attends even if she does not actually drive.

It will reinforce your own confidence. It should hopefully reassure your wife to have your ability confirmed by a knowledgeable independent person. (even better if you get e certificate as well!)

Failing that, she may like to try hypnotherapy, this can be quite effective at helping people come to terms with their fears.

Best of luck.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Hello Paul, there is an herbal remedy which at the moment the name evades me. A few drops are placed on the tongue an hour or so before you travel. Ask at a health shop. Whether it works or not I know not because the only thing I'm afraid of is my wife and she doesn't allow me a hours notice when shes pmsing. People who are nervous about flying or taking exams use it. Maybe another forum member can come up with the name ...............................................

now in a more lighthearted vein why dont you try leaving your wife at home and then you could have a girl in every site. After all, all the nice girls love a trailer. p.s. For the forums Victor Meldrews that was a joke and wasnt meant in seriousness. :O)

 

[PaulA3]

Next time she complains pull in to the next layby get out walk round to the boot open it get base ball bat out walk to passenger door open and offer her 3 alternatives

1) you drive and she shuts up

2) she drives

3) you hit her over the head to put her to sleep till you get there.

 

[the other tom]

Hi Paul

the drops Lord Braykewynde could n't recall are called "calm" they also do it in tablet form now.

I also agree with Clive maybe she would benefit going on a towing course.

Sheila

 

[LMH]

I think he might mean Bach's Rescue Remedy. It's supposed to be quite good.

Lisa

 

[Gary_5039903]

Halfords sell some long roof boxes. It wouldn't calm her down, but at least you wouldn't hear her! 8O)

 

[Tina3]

Halfords sell some long roof boxes. It wouldn't calm her down, but at least you wouldn't hear her! 8O)

LMAO !!! brilliant,I can just see it !!

 

[Daventura]

I remember when a programme called The 'A' Team was on the telly and they had the same problem with a Mr. 'T' when it came to flying. Just a thought.

 

[Kanga_5082009]

put her on the train or just take your mistress!

 

[littleangel]

Sorry for your dilema Paul. I wouldn't be as brutal as PaulA, or as mean as Gary (brilliant lol).

but if I am driving I DRIVE, no interference, if no one likes it, they know where the door is!!!!

Seriously though, does she say what makes her nervous ie: the towball creaking, sometimes a rocking motion. and why she will not drive?

Are you young/middling or mature generation?

 

[PaulT]

Sorry for your dilema Paul. I wouldn't be as brutal as PaulA, or as mean as Gary (brilliant lol).

but if I am driving I DRIVE, no interference, if no one likes it, they know where the door is!!!!

Seriously though, does she say what makes her nervous ie: the towball creaking, sometimes a rocking motion. and why she will not drive?

Are you young/middling or mature generation?

We are 50 (ish). She drives (very well although I hate to admit it) a Mercedes SLK so it isn't a fear of driving. She worries that other people get too near, that the caravan is going to hit the kerb on a roundabout and turn over, that we can't get through gaps etc etc.

I've suggested she practices towing in the car park of my factory but that's out. I'm not sure she'd go on a course but I'll suggest it. Hypnosis sounds a good bet - or a large bottle of gin!

 

[AnnM1]

Hi Paul

Can I ask if your wife is a driver? If the answer is 'Yes!' then put yourself in her position. Do you like being driven around? Most drivers would admit that if they weren't in complete control it is difficult for them to relax completely when being a passenger. I know exactly how she is reacting because I tend to be the same.

I have towed all over Germany and France whilst towing a trailer and eventually a trailer tent. No probs!!! But sit me in the passenger seat and my horns come out!

However, I have managed to overcome the problem by being a navigator (even on motorways!). It focuses my mind and makes me a less anxious passenger.

I would admit though that should the other half get niggly when we go wrong I have known the window come down and the map going flying out of the window. This usually ends up with us both laughing.

The point is: give her something useful to do!

Hope this works!