Getting back behind the wheel after experiencing a car accident can cause angst and make you feel uncomfortable. Regardless of the intensity or severity of your crash, you might feel rattled and more skeptical of the people around you.
Regaining your confidence is paramount to your ability to drive safely and effectively. Knowing how to get more comfortable driving a car again will help you gradually overcome irrational nerves.
Start small
The first time you get in the driver’s seat might look like nothing more than sitting in your garage and just feeling what it feels like to sit behind the wheel again. Once you feel ready to drive, it should not be anything formal that requires you to get to a destination in a certain amount of time. Contrarily, set aside a time when you can go somewhere without a lot of traffic and simply reassociate yourself with your car. Drive slowly. Take deep breaths. Keep the music turned down or off and simply practice driving.
Seek support
Chances are, you know someone who has experienced a car accident. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, car accidents injure millions of Americans every year. Seek support from people who might understand how you feel. Ask someone you trust to accompany you the first few times you drive again.
As you reacclimate to driving, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get places. Eliminate distractions and plan your route ahead of time. You may also consider taking a driver’s safety course. With time and practice, your confidence will grow, and you may once more feel prepared to drive your car.