Driving can cause people so much anxiety some are staying off the road altogether.

New Massey University research shows 50 per cent of people surveyed feel mild nerves when driving, and another 16 per cent experience moderate to severe anxiety.

The study's author, Dr Joanne Taylor, says some anxiety on the road can actually be good in keeping us aware of potential dangers.

But she says at a higher level it's harmful, and can be debilitating.

Taylor told Kate Hawkesby anxiety can stem from a past accident, a near-miss, or even hearing about one.

"There's a variety of things, for some reason it is a part of a broader pattern of anxiety and they have anxiety in other situations too."

LISTEN ABOVE AS DR JOANNE TAYLOR SPEAKS TO KATE HAWKESBY