Relearning How to Drive after an Auto Accident In Charlotte

September 27, 2012, by Michael A. DeMayo

After a relatively minor injury accident in Charlotte, you’ve developed a kind of fear of getting back out onto the road. What’s going on? Why are you hesitant to turn the keys in the ignition? What will happen to you if you cannot somehow transcend this anxiety?

You might think these are trivial concerns, but they afflict all too many North Carolina auto accident victims – people seriously injured/paralyzed and people simply startled by fender benders alike.

The psychology of phobias is a complicated topic, one which we obviously cannot cover in great detail here. However, you can use the following rules of thumb to organize your thinking and potentially make more resourceful decisions:

1. Delve down to the root of the phobia.

Start with a simple observation such as: “When I get into my car and turn the ignition, I feel hot and flustered and my heart starts racing.” Be as objective as possible – as if you are recording something into a camera or a microphone. Next, ask yourself questions in your private journal about that sensation or series of thoughts. What’s causing the agitation? Then ask: what’s causing that? Then ask: what’s causing that? In other words, keep drilling down until you get to the deeper, more root cause of this stress. Do this exercise quickly, without thinking, and you’ll likely discover some curious – perhaps fascinating – insights into yourself.

2. Get outside help.

The team at the law offices of Michael A. DeMayo can help you resolve the stresses and uncertainties of your accident case; and a professional psychologist or a therapist can help you work through your phobia and other psychological issues related to the accident/event. But avoid the trap of trying to “solve everything yourself.” Now is the time to reach out and get good help.

3. Appreciate what you’re trying to do for yourself.

You’ve been through a seriously traumatic event, and you’ve already exerted yourself tremendously just even researching the nature of your new phobia. Give yourself a break. If you’re not ready for this kind of exertion, don’t push it. Make temporary arrangements until you’re ready to understand what’s driving you (so to speak) to have these feelings. Only go back out onto the road if/when you feel safe and confident to do so. You obviously don’t want to put your own life – and other people’s lives – in jeopardy.

4. Consider the “baby steps” approach.

Rather than hop in the car for an eight hour trip up to New York City, consider taking it slow and easy — just drive around the neighborhood a few times until you get your “driving legs” back.