An irrational fear of Alaskan drivers.

I don't get why people drive so crazy in Alaska. I am not native to Alaska but a transplant of 6 years and each year I have more than dreaded the winter. I love the snow and even the cold doesn't bother me, however driving on the roads is more than nerve wracking. I usually have a white nuckle grip on the steering wheel and am sitting at an alert 90' angle. I avoid driving like the pleage in the winter. Growing up on the east coast where if it snowed a quarter inch it was a snow day and a statewide state of emergency where you literally were not allowed to be out and about except for in emergency situations, I guess it is just hard to adjust to the idea of driving anywhere when there is a pour down of snow, the plowers have not got to the streets just yet. Before moving to Alaska I had never been involved in a car accident. Since moving to Alaska 4 of 6 years I was a passenger in an accident each winter. Now since having my son my anxiety has skyrocketed to the extremes. I will cancel anything I can to avoid driving. If my husband is busy and out of the home I will gladly stay with our son and just play even if that meant cancelling a meeting or appointment, just because I didn't want to drive. My son is nearly two now and I have avoided any accidents since his birth but with other people on the road hold my breath a lot or hold onto the oh s@&# handle as we make turns, and constantly check the side mirror on my side of the car as we are stopping to make sure the guy behind us is also coming to a stop. People think its my crazy mommy thing. I just want to ensure my sons safety through childhood. Even my husband is driven nuts by my antics, I make him use extreme caution, and constantly nag him about his following distance, he always asks if I would like to drive he knows I don't but have to direct his driving still. My son has no clue I am so afraid of cars and he definitely has not picked up the same anxiety about vehicles considering once he is strapped in he shouts go go go daddy! While I lean over and say not so fast slow down get off their butt why are you so close. I feel awful but I don't trust other drivers on the road. I see an accident every day and just don't want to be in that boat. If I can get our son through childhood without being involved in a moter vehicle accident it would be a miracle, but I will try my damndest to do so.

An Eskimos wife.

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