Experiencing a car accident can be deeply distressing and even traumatic. It’s not just about the physical damage or injuries, but it can leave a long-lasting psychological impact, shaking your self-belief and confidence. Many people even find themselves struggling with fear and anxiety just at the thought of driving again after an accident. If you are struggling with this, know that you are not alone. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways you can not only start driving but also reclaim your confidence behind the wheel.
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Acknowledge your anxiety
The first step to dealing with driving anxiety after an accident is to acknowledge that it is not irrational or that you are not ‘too weak or sensitive.’ You are having a natural reaction after your mind and body experienced a deeply threatening situation.
This anxiety is a result of your body trying to protect you from a similar experience again. Avoiding driving situations or trying to avoid anxiety in itself can make it worse. So, give yourself some space and time to feel the fear without being critical.
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Start as a passenger
Getting back into the car doesn’t mean you have to start driving immediately. You can begin by sitting beside someone while they drive. This will ease your mind back into the experience of being in the car and on the road without overwhelming your mind. The more you sit beside someone else, the more your mind will start feeling safe with cars again.
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Ask someone for support
When you do decide to drive again, don’t force yourself to do it alone. Ask a friend, partner or loved one to accompany you so that they can offer verbal encouragement, a hug or just a space to talk during your initial drives. Sometimes, having a calming voice and presence with you can be incredibly helpful.
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Practice grounding techniques
Anxiety often feels unsafe in the body, leading to symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, etc. In such times, deep breathing and grounding techniques such as listening to music, smelling something pleasant or just focusing on things in your environment can help you stay in the present moment. Click here to know more about grounding techniques
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Begin with empty roads
When you start driving, don’t rush into traffic-prone or crowded areas; instead, pick familiar roads and drive during rush-free hours. Also, start with short 5-10 minute drives around nearby areas at slow speeds. This will allow you to ease and settle into driving. You can increase driving speed and duration as your confidence rises.
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Take a driving course
If you feel the need for additional support, consider taking a professional driving course. A driving instructor can help you regain your confidence and refresh your driving skills. A driving course is typically structured in a way to encourage confidence in small steps. Thus, it can help you get back into driving.
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Talk to a therapist
As was previously mentioned, an accident can cause trauma and distress. You may occasionally experience severe anxiety and flashbacks that begin to interfere with your day-to-day functioning. In such situations, you can consider consulting a therapist trained in anxiety, phobias and trauma. A therapist can help you talk through overwhelming emotions and also give you tools to manage anxiety.
Conclusion:
Driving again after an accident can feel overwhelming, and it is okay. It is normal to feel a sense of anxiety when you start driving again. Having said that, it is also important to take small steps to overcome this fear. You can start by acknowledging your anxiety, asking for support and then driving on empty roads. The key is to help your mind and body feel safe behind the wheel again. Healing may take time, but it’s possible; you just have to be kind and patient with yourself throughout the process.
References:
- 7 Tips For Overcoming Driving Anxiety After A Crash | Smith System Driver Improvement Institute, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.smith-system.com/blog/2022-11-09-7-tips-for-overcoming-driving-anxiety-after-a-crash
- Curtis, R. (2024, April 16). Overcoming Anxiety After a Car Accident: Symptoms, Causes, and Legal Options. Curtis Legal Group. https://curtislegalgroup.com/news/scared-to-drive-after-car-accident/
- PA, D. L. G. A. I. L. (2023, February 21). Treating Post-Accident Vehophobia. Dolman Law Group. https://www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/treating-post-accident-vehophobia-fear-driving/
