The act of driving comes with serious responsibility at every level of experience. Whether you’re just starting out or have been driving for years, car accidents are always a possibility and when they do happen, they can be traumatizing. In addition to physical pain, a serious accident can result in a sense of fear and dread when faced with the possibility of being in the same situation that caused the accident. This new-found anxiety, also known as Vehophobia, is not only crippling but can prevent the person from engaging in their usual everyday activities, such as driving. If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident and are having trouble getting behind the wheel again, here are a few tips to ease your anxiety when driving after a car accident.
Defensive driving courses: Taking a class led by a professional can help ease any doubts you may have about getting back on the road. Defensive driving courses can help you sharpen your driving skills and gain new ones as well. These classes can also help you recognize potentially dangerous situations to avoid and to minimize risk.
Therapy: Releasing your uneasy feelings about driving to a professional can help clear your headspace and focus on moving forward. According to Seattle car accident lawyer Janelle Bailey, “Car accident victims can sustain multiple injuries and some injuries may not display any noticeable symptoms immediately after an accident.” This can include PTSD or delayed feelings of trauma.There are options to work with someone one-on-one or in a group setting in the form of a support group. Listening to other people’s problems, along with their solutions for coping, can help you work through your own fears.
Medication: In addition to therapy, anxiety medication that is prescribed by a professional can be helpful in balancing the chemicals in the brain. Certain anxiety medicines can lower anxiety in general or if taken, lower anxiety before certain activities.
Drive in a quiet neighborhood: Experience what it’s like to be behind the wheel again in a safe and quiet setting. Practice getting back into the groove of driving on neighborhood streets with little traffic and few pedestrians.
Don’t avoid the crash site: The best step to take for getting back into your normal habits is not to avoid them and face them head on. Do not go out of your way to avoid where the accident happened. Proceed with caution and understand that most likely your accident was due to unfortunate circumstances that day and not that specific location.
Getting back on the road after a car accident can be scary. You might have walked away with PTSD or another anxiety disorder brought on by the car crash. It’s important to focus on your recovery going forward and to make sure you’re taking the right steps towards getting back to your normal life.