Scared to drive again, help?

Question

Hi all. So here's the situation. About a month ago, I was involved in a car accident (slid on the ice and hit another vehicle), resulting with my vehicle being totaled (thank God I was going slow enough to avoid any injuries). Now I have a new vehicle, but the thing is; I'm afraid of driving again. I feel that as soon as I start driving my new car, I will get involved in another car accident (because it is still icy out where I live). Now I've got some practice with my new vehicle, so I now how it feels and handles when it comes to driving on ice, but that doesn't make me feel any more secure. So my question is, is there any way that I can change my thought process and stop worrying about sliding on the ice and hitting another car? Maybe some extra winter driving tips that aren't so obvious? Thanks!

* I know how to drive in winter conditions fairly well; it's just that my previous cars steering and brakes locked up, therefore there was nothing I could do to avoid the collision.*

Answer 1

It's not fear your feeling. You have the awareness that what happened could have been much worse. I sounds like your going to be fine & a little more time is needed. Your not quite confident enough to go blazing out there as if nothing ever happened. From now on, be a little more vigil in your cars preventive maintenance so that in the future, your brakes & steering will be in top condition. Keep quality tires w/ good tread rotated by the book. This will help you I think. G'luck.

Answer 2

You may be surprised to hear that fear of driving (or driving phobia) is fairly common.

Many people develop anxiety around driving on highways, over bridges, or just being in a car in general.

You may find that you have become hyper-alert when in a car, to the extent that it actually makes driving more difficult. Because driving is essentially an unconscious activity (you don't think about shifting gear, or pressing the brake), too much anxiety can interfere with the smooth operation of the car.

When this happens, people often start to doubt their ability to drive, further increasing anxiety levels.

Overcome fear of driving will help retrain your mind to relax when at the wheel while retaining a safe level of focus. You are a much safer driver when you are relaxed than when you are stressed, as you probably know.

Answer 3

I've helped lots of people past this fear, It is a fear. The feelings that you have , are what your body and mind generate, to try and stop you making the same mistake again. Unfortunately , it is those same feelings that make you scared and perhaps more likely to have another crash , because of your nervousness, A good Hypnotherapist , can get you past the problem. Or perhaps somebody trained in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).  If I can help you more PM me. Good Luck.

Answer 4

never gonna know till you try again, you keep this up youll be afraid to drive the rest of ur life (at leat on ice hahahaha)

Answer 5

You answered your own Question, you said the brakes locked up on your old car so it's not your fault. just remember to be careful