The thought of getting behind the wheel again after an accident probably triggers a series of what-if scenarios in your imagination. If this is the case, it might feel like you will never be the confident driver you once were.
There is no shame in admitting that you are nervous about driving again, especially in cases where an accident causes a serious personal injury. When you are ready, there are steps you can take toward regaining your confidence as a driver.
Make slow and steady progress
Post-traumatic stress is very common among drivers who experience a car accident, and medical experts explain that this condition often comes with feelings of fear, worry or guilt. That is why it is important to process your emotions at a comfortable pace. You can start by taking public transportation and then work your way up to making very short drives until you are ready to operate a vehicle in the same capacity as before.
Take a defensive driving course
Another option is to take a driving class that focuses on defensive driving techniques. This provides an opportunity for you to get some time behind the wheel under the controlled supervision of an instructor. The course will also teach you tactics for responding defensively to situations that may arise on the road, which can help you feel confident about avoiding accidents in the future.
Driving is an essential part of many modern lives, so it can feel difficult to resume your normal routine when you are uncomfortable on the road. Forcing yourself to rush can do more harm than good though, so it is important to take all the time you need.