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Jan 19, 2017

Confident Drivier in a Toyota Highlander in Raleigh, NCAfter a car accident, there are many things to consider. For many, a car accident leads to a lack of confidence and an increase in anxiety. In some cases, it even leads to the driver no longer wanting to get back on the road. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help improve your confidence after an accident and get yourself ready to drive again.

Start Small

The worst thing you can do if you’re feeling nervous about driving is pushing yourself too hard, too fast. Don’t hit the freeway on your first time back behind the wheel. Instead, drive around your neighborhood for a while. Check out that shopping center across town. Take it slow and give yourself time to adjust to driving again. Short drives at first can help you get ahold of your confidence and realize that you’re ok driving.

Talk It Out

As with most stressful situations in life, it’s always best to talk out your anxiety and fear. If you hold it in, it’s going to fester and grow to an unbearable level. Find someone you feel safe talking to about what is causing you anxiety. In some cases, this may be a friend or a family member. Other times, you may want to consider getting help from a mental health professional. There is no shame in having stress and anxiety, and being able to talk through it allows you to see what is holding you back and to work through it.

Driving Classes

Even if you’ve been driving for years, there’s a huge benefit in taking an additional driving class, especially after an accident. Most cities throughout the country offer defensive driving courses that you can take to learn extra skills on the road. If you feel like you’ve lost your confidence on the road, a defensive driving course gives you back a sense of control. You’ll learn how to avoid accidents in the future, better driving skills, and have the time and mentorship to get back behind the wheel. Taking a driving course isn’t always necessary, but it certainly is helpful.

Give Yourself a Break

The most important thing you can do is give yourself a break. Unfortunately, this is also the hardest part of regaining your confidence. Stop blaming yourself for the accident. Stop running it through your head a hundred times a day. Relax and remind yourself that this happened, but you will get past it. Be gentle with yourself, and do things you love. This allows your mind to relax and allows you to heal both mentally and physically after a traumatic event. Along with this, make sure you’re pushing yourself but not too hard.

After a car accident, you’re likely feeling shaken and unsure, even if there were no injuries. It may take time and real effort to get yourself back to a place where you feel calm and confident on the road. However, it will happen. With the tips above, you can work toward feeling better when you’re driving.