How Can We Deal with Post-Accident Anxiety?
Several years ago, a good friend of mine went through a horrific car accident and luckily no one was seriously injured. He walked away and everyone was amazed. The incident traumatized my friend and wasn’t comfortable getting behind the wheel for at least 2-3 years following the accident.
At Painter’s Collision Centers, we see people who have been in car accidents every day, because after they get into collisions here in Arizona, they bring their cars to one of our two locations. Here are some interesting facts about the reality of post-accident anxiety and how experts say it should be treated.
After accidents, some drivers become extremely cautious on the road. Others may feel extreme anxiety when passing the site of their former accident or driving in comparable conditions elsewhere. Within 30 days, these normal reactions will normally start to subside, but not in all scenarios.
So, if you’re in a serious car accident, here are some helpful suggestions about what to do:
Make certain to write down how the accident transpired from its beginning to its end. Your recollections will likely be disjointed and jumbled up initially, but by processing them and placing them in a chronological order, it will help you to recover.
Never keep your post-accident anxiety to yourself. Discussing it with members of your family, friends and others can help to alleviate fear and anxiety. Sharing is caring so share it with others and watch them respond positively and compassionately.
Bring another driver into your vehicle for the first time after the accident. It will give you a sense of security and you’ll have someone there to take over if you feel too stressed-out to drive.
When you finally do decide to drive again on a regular or daily basis, begin with a series of short, undemanding drives. Like a football player coming back from an injury, you should take it nice and easy as you get back into your routine.
Consider taking classes at a defensive driving school to refine your driving skills and to feel more confident while behind the wheel. In addition, being back in your vehicle without anything bad occurring can help to reduce your anxiety. Defensive driving courses also enable drivers to recognize and analyze developing situations on the road that can potentially become dangerous.
By learning how to be a safer and smarter driver, you will hopefully be able to avoid another potential accident in the future if it occurs.
About Painters Collision Centers
Today’s vehicles are essentially large computers on wheels, so you need a collision repair company with the right tools, equipment, and training to diagnose and fix these sophisticated machines at a high level. At Painters Collision Centers, with two locations in Chandler and Queen Creek, AZ, we stress quality, transparency, and complete accountability. People praise us for being thorough and providing over-the-top customer service on every repair. When you hire us at Painters Collision Centers, you tap into our 35 years of cumulative experience in the collision repair industry. Owners Jim and Kelly Huard aren’t just in it to win it. They’re in it to be the best!
Sources: AOL, MSN and NHTSA