Getting into a car accident can happen even when you’re extra careful and you’re paying attention to your surroundings. Sometimes, another driver may do something reckless and crash into you, or do something that forces you to try to avoid them and crash into something else. Regardless of the reason, this can lead to driving trauma, especially if you’re a young student who just got their license.
If you need your car, chances are that you cannot stop driving for good. But how can you overcome your fear of being on the road after such a bad incident? Here are 6 tips that may help you out.
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Take More Driving Courses
Yes, yes, we know – taking more driving courses is the last thing you want, especially if you spent a long time learning how to drive. But if you made mistakes that led to the accident and you fear making them again, some courses may help you address your issues.
You can go for a refresher course or a defensive driving course. When you get back to learning, you can easily become more confident as you find out new things or refresh your memory regarding certain driving rules. What’s even better is that since your course will have a licensed instructor, there will be a set of controls that they can use if you don’t know what to do anymore or if you make a mistake.
Once you finish the courses, you will be able to get behind the wheel again with new forces.
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Talk to Someone
A car accident can be traumatizing and can make you go through different feelings, especially when you’re a student that already has a lot on your mind. Fearing criticism or the fact that you may bother people, you may hesitate to talk about the situation with other people. But this can be a mistake.
Instead, you should talk to someone you love as it can ease your anxiety and fear and perhaps you can even get some encouragement and good advice. Also, if you don’t want to talk to family or friends, you can always reach out to an experienced therapist.
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Have Some Patience
You will not get over your fear and anxiety overnight, so don’t be too harsh on yourself. It’s normal to feel troubled. After all, you’ve been through something potentially life-threatening.
The best thing to do is remind yourself that even if other people are able to recover more quickly, everyone is unique. It may take you longer, but you’ll eventually get there.
On top of that, accept your feelings and the fact that they are normal, and you’ll be able to get back behind the wheel sooner.
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Make Sure Your Break Isn’t Too Long
After the accident, you may feel some hesitation when it comes to driving again. It’s not shocking at all. But while it’s normal, you shouldn’t take a very long break from the road.
The longer you wait to drive your car again, the longer it will take to get over your anxiety and fear. You should go back to the driver’s seat as soon as possible. You don’t have to drive long distances either – start small.
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Consider a Less Busy Neighborhood
Getting back on the road during busy hours can do more harm than good after your accident. Instead of calming down and focusing on your driving, you may focus on everyone around you and what their next moves will be and overthink it. So, begin with quiet neighborhoods when you’re trying to adjust to being back in the driver’s seat.
When the traffic is minimal, you have more time to process your fear and thoughts, and you’ll begin to feel comfortable sooner.
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Take Someone Else With You
When you’re ready to drive again, don’t go alone. Your fear and anxiety alone may lead to driving mistakes. Ideally, you should take another driver with you the first time you’re back on the road.
Not only will this ensure that someone can take over the vehicle when you feel overwhelmed, but it can also make you feel safer.
Final Thoughts
If you got injured by someone else during a car accident, you should hire a lawyer. Keep in mind that each state has its own statute of limitations, with California’s being two years after the date of the accident. You should hire a San Mateo car accident attorney or another lawyer in your area as soon as possible to get advice and help.
