Mental Health after a car crash
Discussion
Hi All,
Earlier this year, I was involved in a significant car crash. First and foremost, I was uninjured (Which is a testament, in part, to the car and down to luck/fate, which I am grateful for). The crash was significant and at the national speed limit (I'm not going to disclose the full details). Speed and wrecklessness wasn't a factor (no tailgating or overtaking dangerously etc), weather partly. Though there was nothing immediately obviously wrong in my driving, a crash (and your first one) is still a learning curve with some good life lessons.
Anyway, the car is all good, repaired, checked over, MOT'd etc. I've driven it and it drives better (in part to some mods) but I have the following feelings:
1) Driving feels incredibly lonely, which creates some fear
2) I always have a feeling of impending danger or failure, in part due to:
a) Noises on the road that trigger reminders of the crash, e.g. similar noises, that can be due to the road surface, rumble strips etc.
b) Any warning sign on the car easily strikes fear. There aren't any yet but I imagine scenarios, e.g. low engine oil (though this won't cause a crash, etc).
Though I am little rusty on driving as the car was in the garage for a while, I am driving every week and a mix of roads, decent distances, and in terms of driving ability, nothing has really changed (apart from being even more cautious as driving is a leap of faith).
So has anyone experienced any mental health symptoms from a car crash? Just to add, I am in London and will do some local IAM courses (as I don't feel like driving alone a long distance), and then some of the more well known independent advanced courses (which i wanted to do before, but lockdown prevented). I am interested in people's experiences as I don't want to go down the GP route and then risk surrendering my license (though I am not a complete wreck and still driving well).
Thanks!
Earlier this year, I was involved in a significant car crash. First and foremost, I was uninjured (Which is a testament, in part, to the car and down to luck/fate, which I am grateful for). The crash was significant and at the national speed limit (I'm not going to disclose the full details). Speed and wrecklessness wasn't a factor (no tailgating or overtaking dangerously etc), weather partly. Though there was nothing immediately obviously wrong in my driving, a crash (and your first one) is still a learning curve with some good life lessons.
Anyway, the car is all good, repaired, checked over, MOT'd etc. I've driven it and it drives better (in part to some mods) but I have the following feelings:
1) Driving feels incredibly lonely, which creates some fear
2) I always have a feeling of impending danger or failure, in part due to:
a) Noises on the road that trigger reminders of the crash, e.g. similar noises, that can be due to the road surface, rumble strips etc.
b) Any warning sign on the car easily strikes fear. There aren't any yet but I imagine scenarios, e.g. low engine oil (though this won't cause a crash, etc).
Though I am little rusty on driving as the car was in the garage for a while, I am driving every week and a mix of roads, decent distances, and in terms of driving ability, nothing has really changed (apart from being even more cautious as driving is a leap of faith).
So has anyone experienced any mental health symptoms from a car crash? Just to add, I am in London and will do some local IAM courses (as I don't feel like driving alone a long distance), and then some of the more well known independent advanced courses (which i wanted to do before, but lockdown prevented). I am interested in people's experiences as I don't want to go down the GP route and then risk surrendering my license (though I am not a complete wreck and still driving well).
Thanks!
I forgot to add, i did do one advanced course, which was good, and taught me useful tips, one of which was in play and contributed to the relatively positive outcome of the crash. I guess with a performance car, it's good to do courses and new roads and of course, learning never stops.
I did think about writing the car off and getting another (I had a choice), but I decided against that, partly due to the whole lockdown situation, and then the added headache of mods (nothing major though). While it will be a fresh slate, it wouldn't fix everything completely e.g. the panic of hearing noises reminding me of the crash. What I did do instead is get the car fully checked, new oils, new brakes (it needed it), new tires, etc. And it drives well. There isn't actually anything wrong with the car, and I guess I am just bonding again and trust is an issue (trust that the work done on the car is top, trust in the car, etc). While the car got checked over, some other items needed replacing but that's just part and parcel of performance car ownership (or car ownership in general) but having new parts has made me more confident and trusting.
I have spoken to quite a few people who had serious accidents and repaired the car,and they've been driving happily since. The car isn't Cat C/S (or whatever the designation is now), which is good too. Most of the damage was just cosmetic anyway, not chassis or the frame.
I am all for support groups, counselling etc, medicine no. I doubt i need any drugs anyway, as I sleep fine and cope at work fine too (I am in a skilled and, at the moment, fast paced office job).
And yeah I always drive with music. Having a passenger (an advanced instructor) will help a lot, as I feel motorways are intimidating as they are so wide and lots of space. This is an obvous must for me to do, so just looking into this, but want to decide on the GP route first.
I did think about writing the car off and getting another (I had a choice), but I decided against that, partly due to the whole lockdown situation, and then the added headache of mods (nothing major though). While it will be a fresh slate, it wouldn't fix everything completely e.g. the panic of hearing noises reminding me of the crash. What I did do instead is get the car fully checked, new oils, new brakes (it needed it), new tires, etc. And it drives well. There isn't actually anything wrong with the car, and I guess I am just bonding again and trust is an issue (trust that the work done on the car is top, trust in the car, etc). While the car got checked over, some other items needed replacing but that's just part and parcel of performance car ownership (or car ownership in general) but having new parts has made me more confident and trusting.
I have spoken to quite a few people who had serious accidents and repaired the car,and they've been driving happily since. The car isn't Cat C/S (or whatever the designation is now), which is good too. Most of the damage was just cosmetic anyway, not chassis or the frame.
I am all for support groups, counselling etc, medicine no. I doubt i need any drugs anyway, as I sleep fine and cope at work fine too (I am in a skilled and, at the moment, fast paced office job).
And yeah I always drive with music. Having a passenger (an advanced instructor) will help a lot, as I feel motorways are intimidating as they are so wide and lots of space. This is an obvous must for me to do, so just looking into this, but want to decide on the GP route first.
Even though my driving was sensible, looking back, there were factors such as the weather and the time (early morning, meaning really poor visibility). Journey was essential but the driving course I did, did teach me to always consider the reason for your journey, and while regret isn't a big feeling for me compared to the feelings I mentioned in my opening post, there were/are alternatives to the journey. Hitting something in the road was/is a potential factor as there was debris on the road, but not from my car (car debris, but of different paint, interestingly enough).
However, my paranoia has led me to change a bunch of un-needed things just to get me settled, e.g. tires etc. I had a few critical items that were in the early stages of needing changes like wheel bearings, which I got done and I actually liked that as it gave me the impression of a clean slate (most people would hate more bills!). I guess deciding to change things to have a fresh start is part of a normal response? Maybe to break the association with the car and the accident. I guess it is normal to see the car as "tainted" following a crash, but the damage was cosmetic, as mentioned.
There was a factor of my life (or at least physical wellbeing), being at significant risk, given the circumstances of the accident, even though the impact was not severe (no whiplash or anything, no pain).
I drove the car a few days after getting it back, alone, down a busy A road not far from the scene of the crash. Car was spotless. So I know I have the capability, mentally, I am just paranoid and some drives with an advanced instructor will help. A solo drive is/was productive as I could get in the zone and on this occasion, I was pretty relaxed and quickly got settled in.
I lean towards the instructor route as he or she can talk about what the car is doing and the road surfaces influence on that, to help me settle. I guess it kinda feels a bit like the first time I ever drove alone (Which I can't even remember now!).
Another factor was I was out in the car recently and it was raining heavily, which was another trigger. Car was on point, no issues there, and I was sensible (I was on small, slow roads) but kept to an appropriate pace (if it was a motorway I would probably do 60mph). I've driven in the rain many times but it was intimidating. I guess one good thing to do is a course on a wet skidpan to build confidence there an some familiarity. I mean I am in a modern car with ABS, traction control etc and I drive with all of that on.
Skyedriver -I don't think I am at a point where I would never drive again, it's more about getting to a point where I can relax and just enjoy driving for what it is.
The car is good and it got a full check over (including every safety-critical item, such as steering, suspension, brakes etc), I just need to work on myself which wil take longer.
However, my paranoia has led me to change a bunch of un-needed things just to get me settled, e.g. tires etc. I had a few critical items that were in the early stages of needing changes like wheel bearings, which I got done and I actually liked that as it gave me the impression of a clean slate (most people would hate more bills!). I guess deciding to change things to have a fresh start is part of a normal response? Maybe to break the association with the car and the accident. I guess it is normal to see the car as "tainted" following a crash, but the damage was cosmetic, as mentioned.
There was a factor of my life (or at least physical wellbeing), being at significant risk, given the circumstances of the accident, even though the impact was not severe (no whiplash or anything, no pain).
I drove the car a few days after getting it back, alone, down a busy A road not far from the scene of the crash. Car was spotless. So I know I have the capability, mentally, I am just paranoid and some drives with an advanced instructor will help. A solo drive is/was productive as I could get in the zone and on this occasion, I was pretty relaxed and quickly got settled in.
I lean towards the instructor route as he or she can talk about what the car is doing and the road surfaces influence on that, to help me settle. I guess it kinda feels a bit like the first time I ever drove alone (Which I can't even remember now!).
Another factor was I was out in the car recently and it was raining heavily, which was another trigger. Car was on point, no issues there, and I was sensible (I was on small, slow roads) but kept to an appropriate pace (if it was a motorway I would probably do 60mph). I've driven in the rain many times but it was intimidating. I guess one good thing to do is a course on a wet skidpan to build confidence there an some familiarity. I mean I am in a modern car with ABS, traction control etc and I drive with all of that on.
Skyedriver -I don't think I am at a point where I would never drive again, it's more about getting to a point where I can relax and just enjoy driving for what it is.
The car is good and it got a full check over (including every safety-critical item, such as steering, suspension, brakes etc), I just need to work on myself which wil take longer.
Edited by Z064life on Thursday 20th May 19:13
Edited by Z064life on Thursday 20th May 19:15
I've managed to make some contacts with others who were in the same boat as me (significant accidents, kept the same car) and driving again. Those people too suffer some psychological challenges, e.g. trust etc. This channel of communication is helpful, and I am looking to make it a good tool to help.
I am no PTSD expert, but I don't think a car crash is a "man up" type event. It is/was sudden, unexpected, unpredictable, left plenty to fear, etc.
I went for another drive, car was 100% (tracking straight, tyre pressures good, etc), so all good there, just can't shake the association of noises on the road, and road surfaces, with the crash (as well natural steering wheel movements). I need to work on this, this is my biggest challenge from happy motoring. Unfortunately, if it was another example of the same model, setup in the same way, it would behave in the same way which would invoke the same feelings.
I also had another drive that involved a short motorway run (at 50mph due to average speed limits etc), which was also good and has helped. The noises on the road and bumps etc I am less and less shaken by (mentally), partly as I am used to the car more now.
(Just to add, this reply has been written over a few days, two paragraphs above was about 5 days ago, most recent drive 2 days ago).
I certainly see a change in my behaviour and emotions while driving, I am less clammy, less tense, more relaxed. While I always listen to music, I put it a bit louder (but not too loud to not be able to hear emergency vehicles) and some commentary driving (in my head) helps, so definitely improving. I am not quite there yet but improving with just solo practice. I've made some enquiries on local driving courses (looking on the advanced driving section), which will help me with the last 10%. Counselling etc will help with irrational fears and paranoia. Fingers crossed I can keep progressing.
I am no PTSD expert, but I don't think a car crash is a "man up" type event. It is/was sudden, unexpected, unpredictable, left plenty to fear, etc.
I went for another drive, car was 100% (tracking straight, tyre pressures good, etc), so all good there, just can't shake the association of noises on the road, and road surfaces, with the crash (as well natural steering wheel movements). I need to work on this, this is my biggest challenge from happy motoring. Unfortunately, if it was another example of the same model, setup in the same way, it would behave in the same way which would invoke the same feelings.
I also had another drive that involved a short motorway run (at 50mph due to average speed limits etc), which was also good and has helped. The noises on the road and bumps etc I am less and less shaken by (mentally), partly as I am used to the car more now.
(Just to add, this reply has been written over a few days, two paragraphs above was about 5 days ago, most recent drive 2 days ago).
I certainly see a change in my behaviour and emotions while driving, I am less clammy, less tense, more relaxed. While I always listen to music, I put it a bit louder (but not too loud to not be able to hear emergency vehicles) and some commentary driving (in my head) helps, so definitely improving. I am not quite there yet but improving with just solo practice. I've made some enquiries on local driving courses (looking on the advanced driving section), which will help me with the last 10%. Counselling etc will help with irrational fears and paranoia. Fingers crossed I can keep progressing.
Jonmx said:
How are you getting on?
The biggest challenge now is confidence on motorways, i.e. doing 70-80 mph and not 60, as per my last outing. It may be just 10mph, but there is some sort of mental block to that extra 10mph. Funny thing is I did 70mph on the same stretch of A/M road in the first weekend I had the car back. I guess the difference between then and now is I let my mind wander and negative thoughts come into my head. I have a course booked in two weeks which is around motorway driving and generally building confidence post crash, which I am hoping will put me back to where I was pre crash. I think having an instructor I can talk to as I drive will help me relax and build confidence.
However, on the whole, I have noticed my mental state improve to where I was pre crash, so I am happy, I guess these things happen at their own pace.
Teddy Lop said:
Have no idea how good of a driver you are so no disrespect if of a high capability already and of course not knowing the particulars doesn't help - but might some tuition in controlling on a car on the edge eg skid pan, rally course instill more confidence?
Hi, yes, yes it would. This is on my list of things to do. Or even a wet skidpan.Note the accident was in the rain and i have not had a motorway drive in the rain yet. I had my first motorway drive which was uneventful but I am paranoid and on edge about things like the car tramlining, potholes, etc. Car only tramlines due to its wide, low profile tires, its had alignment and got the correct tire pressures, so just the nature of owning a performance car.
As a driver, got plenty I can learn so keeping an open mind.
Now that I have done some solo, high speed drives (well by high speed, NSL), I am hoping my confidence can go up a few notches.
Evoluzione said:
The healing process is 80% time, 20% experience.
Get on with that and you'll be ok.
Yup. Everyone processes this differently and being my first crash, I am probably learning how I process it and the emotions involved. I'm still making milestones, which is good. Can't really ask for more than that. Just don't let fear take over and then not do anything at all. I'm exploring all avenues of help and keeping an open mind.Get on with that and you'll be ok.
Yeah challenging your thoughts is a well-known tool. For example, if I think the car will suffer a mechanical failure, I tell myself the car is MOT'd/service'd etc. If I think the rain will make me skid, I tell myself that my speed is appropriate (and of course keeping it physically in check), and that I am not going faster than other traffic. Etc...
The problem is, when driving, I should be focused on the road and not this mental battle? Same for relaxation techniques like breathing. Though I remember to breathe and enjoy the music in the car. I keep things sensible (i.e. 70-80), no rash movements on the motorway, etc.
I'm looking into counselling. I did the one course which was intended to just get my confidence up for travelling on motorways and motorways I now have done (ie 100 mile roundtrips). I'm keen for a session at Milbrook where I can explore a couple of things in car behaviour/road surfaces that can be triggering, I think that will help a great deal.
Also i'm looking at support groups etc as just being honest, like in this thread, goes a long way too.
The problem is, when driving, I should be focused on the road and not this mental battle? Same for relaxation techniques like breathing. Though I remember to breathe and enjoy the music in the car. I keep things sensible (i.e. 70-80), no rash movements on the motorway, etc.
I'm looking into counselling. I did the one course which was intended to just get my confidence up for travelling on motorways and motorways I now have done (ie 100 mile roundtrips). I'm keen for a session at Milbrook where I can explore a couple of things in car behaviour/road surfaces that can be triggering, I think that will help a great deal.
Also i'm looking at support groups etc as just being honest, like in this thread, goes a long way too.
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