FabSwingers.com forum: Accident

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Had my first car accident today and it's left me realy shook up.

I found it very hard to drive afterwards and couldn't wait to get out the car. The thought of getting back in the car is scaring me.

How do you get over the fear?

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Leave it a couple of days, then sit in the car....then start it....then drive up the road and back, then drive some place you know well....a gradual return.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

"Leave it a couple of days, then sit in the car....then start it....then drive up the road and back, then drive some place you know well....a gradual return. "
all over the course of a couple of weeks....

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By *heCuriousCoupleCouple
over a year ago

Costa Del Sol

When I came off a scooter I felt the same.

My parents made me take it to the shop and back the same evening.

Was scary but didn't think about it the day after when I went to work on it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Leave it a couple of days, then sit in the car....then start it....then drive up the road and back, then drive some place you know well....a gradual return. all over the course of a couple of weeks...."

That's what I was thinking waiting a couple of days or more

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No i recommend you get back in the car at straight away. I did best thing I did do too. Also was sent straight back on the track as a medic when I had to deal with my first death. Xxx

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By *ire_bladeMan
over a year ago

Manchester

"No i recommend you get back in the car at straight away. I did best thing I did do too. Also was sent straight back on the track as a medic when I had to deal with my first death. Xxx"

This and the sooner the better

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Id say straight back in and drive, has worked with me. leave it too long youll struggle to get back in the car wi loss of confidence.

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By *lueStarSkyWoman
over a year ago

Narnia

I would also agree with others and get straight back in the car, provided it's still in a road worthy condition. Like the saying goes "you fall off a horse, get back on it". Hope nobody got hurt x

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By *tarbeckCouple
over a year ago

york

"Id say straight back in and drive, has worked with me. leave it too long youll struggle to get back in the car wi loss of confidence."

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

"No i recommend you get back in the car at straight away. I did best thing I did do too. Also was sent straight back on the track as a medic when I had to deal with my first death. Xxx"

She says she's 'shook up' so might not be in tip top form for spotting potential dangers should she leap in to driving straight away. Calmness and confidence is needed, imho.

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By *aGaGagging for itCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

Deal with it rationally by controlling your mind: Understand that fear of a traumatic experience is justifiable and natural. Tell yourself that driving wasnt a problem before so why should it be now? Understand how the accident happened and what you can learn from it to minimise the chance of it happening again. Get back in the car for a drive in a controlled environment as far as possible, eg a very quiet road perhaps being driven there by an understanding friend, who can also encourage you and do it asap. Good luck and hugs.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Depending on how bad the accident was I'm in agreement with most others in saying try and get back driving as soon as possible.

Having said that, I know someone that is only alive by pure luck after a horrific crash as by rights she should have died, it took her almost a year to get back to driving.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"No i recommend you get back in the car at straight away. I did best thing I did do too. Also was sent straight back on the track as a medic when I had to deal with my first death. Xxx

That was brave and sad to deal with that, but I'm not sure I can, and I don't want too. But I'll find out tomorrow.

She says she's 'shook up' so might not be in tip top form for spotting potential dangers should she leap in to driving straight away. Calmness and confidence is needed, imho. "

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

I think it's a personal thing but after my father was involved in a very serious accident (not his fault) one of the police officers at the scene made him get in his car and drive it and he's glad he did. If you're dreading it now are you likely to build it up in your mind or rationalise it over time?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

How do you get over the fear?"

I find a great big whiplash claim helps...

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By *atie MWoman
over a year ago

Brentwood

I too had an accident, was told by a police officer to get back behind the wheel as soon as I could. Hope you wasn't injured xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I too had an accident, was told by a police officer to get back behind the wheel as soon as I could. Hope you wasn't injured xx"

Thanks for the advice and I'll find out tomorrow.

I've hurt my back but have some strong pain killers at hand.

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By *elloIntrigueMan
over a year ago

North West UK

Sorry to her about your accident x

Be kind to yourself first of all.

Rest up.

Then get back in the car, just sitting in it.

Drive short distances, building confidence.

Be aware that you may have situational anxiety for a few days, maybe even weeks but it will pass.

Good luck x

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By *ENDAROOSCouple
over a year ago

South West London / Surrey

"Had my first car accident today and it's left me realy shook up.

I found it very hard to drive afterwards and couldn't wait to get out the car. The thought of getting back in the car is scaring me.

How do you get over the fear?"

I had a bad car accident quite a few years ago now. My car was a total write-off.

Through fear, I kept refusing to get back behind the wheel. I left it so long that by the time I did try, I had lost all confidence in my ability and was a nervous wreck.

I've never driven since. Don't make the same mistake I did. I really regret not plucking up the courage sooner. Xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Take friend, or put radio on.

Do it asap, just to supermarket. Park up, relax, then drive back x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would say draw a line under it after learning any lessons from it and get on with driving. Don't dwell on the past, your not going that way :o)

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham

Get back to it as soon as , I came off my bike and it shook me up , doubted if I would ride again , so I bit the bullet and got back on it ! I think I made the right choice

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