Dealing with Driving Anxiety After an Accident

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice so far! Regarding medications I was on propranolol before given klonopin as needed as temporary assistance. I have therapy about every week but have had more issues relating to school and living arrangements lately. I do have OCD and wonder if that causes ADHD like symptoms when driving. I had a doctor in the ER mention I probably have PTSD but neither my therapist, psychiatrist have gone to fully confirm this. I had my first panic attack while driving that i was aware of the night before my accident and the day of my accident was also my first day of internships. This was my first real accident that was more than a minor one and first ive been at fault for excerpt for several years ago and police didnt even think I hit their car. I have always had some anxiety with driving but have never been deathly terrified until my accident and just prior I just conquered all the fears I had with driving and felt so confident so sudden feeling of being scared and panic attacks threw me off I was at the happiest point in my life in a long time but under alot of changes. Ive always been a very safe and slow driver and was always scared of someone hitting me due to being rear ended a few times in my life (very minor). But turning left at night while scared and lost and not seeing the other car and having my car at an idle speed was enough to have the whole front of my car smashed in. Sorry for long extra details thought it may be helpful to answer questions or have more specific advice. (My situation is also posted on another app/platform in case you think it sounds familiar)

I've got driving anxiety too, so whether your anxiety is from trauma or if driving just makes you nervous, you are Big Valid

It sounds like you have ptsd triggered from your accident. Consult your dr.

I have this because as a 11 year old I crashed really bad into a wall with a go kart. Also I have ADHD and I’m afraid of getting distracted and hurting someone or myself because I lose focus and my dad has been in many accidents due to his ADHD. I’m getting my permit this year though, since needing a car is essential where I live.

Never been in an accident but yes have horrible driving anxiety. I try to set myself up for success if I can such as driving during a slow time of the day, when it’s nice out with dry roads & easy to see. I avoid driving in the dark or rain or fog. I try to make it as safe as possible by always driving the speed limit not getting distracted with calls/texts, leaving plenty of room between the car in front of me. If I’m a passenger I’ll take Dramamine which can helps carsickness but also with my car anxiety. It does make you drowsy though so you shouldn’t take if you’re driving.

Learning disabilities play a huge role in driving. I am a horrible driver ill be the first to admit

I also used to get bad driving anxiety. Things that helped were talking to someone on the phone or listening to a podcast - anything that keeps the brain engaged!

100% yes. I had an accident on the highway in college, and unfortunately my highway anxiety then worsened over the years. I’m 39 now and because of the pandemic i haven’t had to drive as much and so I’ve been avoiding highways and bridges and tunnels, and now the anxiety is extreme 😥 I just talked with my doc about it this week because I’m feeling ashamed about it and want to tackle it. She prescribed me a small dose of propranolol- a beta blocker- to see if it helps stop my body from signaling “this is dangerous!” And then kicking me into panic mode. My homework is to go with my husband a few times over the next two weeks - even if it’s just getting on it be exit and then getting off again. Sending you good vibes - you’re not alone. I do know that the more you avoid, the worse it will get. The way to get thru this is to actually do it, even though it’s uncomfortable. It teaches your brain, through experiences, that you are safe. I’ve made it much worse for myself 😬

i loved driving and was never nervous about it until i got in an accident that broke one of my ribs and totaled my car. afterward, i had the same symptoms as you even just thinking about having to drive. i still can’t drive on highways. multiple lanes and driving in the dark scares me too. even a minor accident can cause this type of response when driving! my best advice would be to get out there once you’re ready and because the more you drive the more comfortable you will be. if possible, give yourself time to process your feelings surrounding driving before getting back on the road. it’s scary but i know you can do it!!

I have never been in an accident but driving gives me huge amounts of anxiety and I have no idea why.