Car accidents are terrifying. Many of us have been unfortunate enough to experience one, and none of us would wish it on our worst enemies. It can completely shake your confidence and make you feel as though you won’t be able to get back on the road again. For young drivers, it can be even harder when you have your first accident.
If the cost of first time car insuranceisn’t high enough, it will likely increase after you make your first claim, and you have the trauma of going through an accident on top of that. We empathise with your struggle, and we’re here to tell you that it’s not impossible to get back on the road and find your confidence again. We all have setbacks sometimes, and we want to help.
Understanding Post-Accident Anxiety and Trauma
When you get into a car accident, it can cause a fear of driving to develop afterwards. Research shows that about 25-33% of people involved in road traffic incidents may develop PTSD within 30 days, and approximately 9% of people develop PTSD following a road traffic accident.
It’s a horrible anxiety that surrounds the very notion of getting behind the wheel, and it can paralyse you with fear when you try to drive. It’s more serious than people give it credit for, and it’s completely understandable to need time and space before you feel ready to drive again.
If you’re worried that you might be suffering from anxiety caused by driving, you can look for some (or all) of these symptoms:
- Increased heart rate
- Short breaths and shallow breathing
- Panic attacks
- Chest pain
- Intense sweating or feeling cold
- Shaking or trembling
- Dry mouth
- Muscle tension
- Constant worry or feelings of impending doom
- Negative thought processes
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Brain fog
Important: If you or your child are still having problems about 4 weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome, you should see a GP.
Professional Support Available
If you’re experiencing significant distress after a car accident, professional help is available through the NHS and other services:
NHS Services
- Trauma-focused CBT: Usually recommended for PTSD, involving 8-12 weekly sessions
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing): A psychological treatment that helps reduce PTSD symptoms
- IAPT Services: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies provides free access to evidence-based treatments
Other Support Options
- Mind: Offers information, support lines, and counselling services
- PTSD UK: Specialist support for those affected by PTSD
- Rethink Mental Illness: Provides helplines and peer support groups
How to Regain Your Confidence After a Car Accident
The longer you wait to get back behind the wheel and try again, the worse your fear and lack of confidence may become. You need to take time to heal and recover, but don’t let fear control you. Here are evidence-based tips for rebuilding your confidence:
Take Your Time
Everyone takes different lengths of time to heal and be ready. Whilst you don’t want to wait indefinitely and allow anxiety to consume you, don’t let anyone pressure you to get back out there too quickly. If you force yourself too soon, you can end up panicking and making things worse. Listen to your instincts and seek professional guidance if needed.
Process the Experience Properly
Rather than avoiding thoughts about the accident, it’s important to process what happened in a healthy way. The NHS recommends gradually restarting activities you have avoided since your experience, such as driving a car if you had an accident. However, this should ideally be done with professional support if you’re struggling.
Pro Tip: Your insurance company will need details of the accident when you make a claim, so being able to discuss it calmly can help with practical matters too.
Seek Professional Support
Mental health is important, and you should speak to someone qualified about what happened. Whilst talking to friends can be helpful, trauma-focused psychological treatment is specifically recommended for those who develop PTSD following a car accident. A mental health professional can help you process complex emotions and develop effective coping strategies.
Start Small and Progress Gradually
When you do get back on the road, remember that you need to start slowly and steadily build up your progress. Take short drives around familiar areas first, then gradually extend the distance as you feel more confident. Every successful journey will help rebuild your confidence and motivate you to progress further.
Consider Additional Driving Support
If you’re still feeling scared and can’t quite get your confidence back, try taking a few refresher lessons or defensive driving courses. These can help rebuild your skills while providing professional support during your recovery process.
Important Legal Considerations
If your PTSD or anxiety significantly affects your ability to drive safely, you may need to notify the DVLA. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about PTSD that affects your ability to drive safely.
Is Getting Back on the Road Possible?
Getting back on the road and rebuilding your confidence is absolutely possible. It might feel like a massive hurdle that you’ll never overcome, but with proper support and by taking your time, you can get back there. PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.
Car accidents are difficult to get over, and the fear may stay with you for a while, but with the right support, you don’t have to let it hold you back in life.
Restart Your Journey with MyFirst
Insurance costs tend to increase after an accident, but at MyFirst, we specialise in car insurance for young drivers, and we work hard to offer competitive premiums. New driver car insurance can be tough to find at a reasonable price – it’s exactly the kind of challenge we’re set up to help with.
You can get a telematics insurance quote from MyFirst in minutes – telematics can help you build safer habits and could help bring your premium down as your confidence grows.
Please note: This article provides general guidance and should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing significant distress after a car accident, please consult with a healthcare professional or contact NHS services for appropriate support.
Telematics insurance uses technology to monitor your driving habits through various methods – including smartphone apps, plug-in devices, or professionally installed monitoring devices (often called “black boxes”). This technology can help reduce premiums for safe drivers and may be particularly beneficial for those looking to rebuild confidence after an accident.
