How to recover your road confidence after a car accident

Along with the physical and emotional residual after-effects of a car crash, road confidence can also be affected. Self esteem and belief in your driving ability is often very low and it may take some time for somebody to feel happy enough to get back on the road at all.

Limiting driving time, only going on short journeys, driving more cautiously and feelings of anxiety or panic attacks while driving are also common amongst people who've experienced a car accident. Some drivers change jobs or move location to make sure they can get to work easily in case they don't want to drive or feel uneasy driving.

Stay calm to improve your self-confidence
Psychologists say that easing yourself back into driving by making short and easily achievable journeys is a good way to regain your road confidence, along with staying calm. Listening to relaxing, classical music and relaxation CDs in the car can help drivers stay calm while driving, which in turn reduces anxiety and panic attacks.

Memories of an event like a car accident can affect the way you perceive the event and your ability to regain your confidence. Exploring and releasing trapped memories through therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can shift your perspective and subsequently increase your self confidence. Read more about CBT at www.babcp.com.

Using taxis and car clubs
The cost of maintaining a vehicle against the price of taxis over time can mean that taxis are a viable and cost-effective alternative to cars. For somebody who does not want to drive or keep a car running or who is dealing with anxiety about road traffic accidents, taxis are a good option.

For short-haul journeys or quick trips to the DIY centre or Ikea, when you have to pack up the car with boxes, consider joining a car club which will mean you don't have the cost of maintaining a car and can restrict your driving to essential journeys only.

However, only those with a meticulous driving record can join so if you have several points on your licence, you may be rejected as a 'reckless driver'. More about car clubs can be found at www.citycarclub.co.uk.

Personal injury compensation claim
Car accidents can take their toll on your body, emotions and finances if you are physically unable to work or lose money if you can't get to your job, especially if it involves regular driving.

If you are suffering a personal injury as the result of a non-fault vehicle accident, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Our team of personal injury specialists have an excellent success rate and won't charge you a penny for their services. In fact, you can even keep the entire compensation amount that is awarded.

So call us now on 0808 143 43 42 for free advice in plain English with no legal jargon.