The reason I found this site is because I wanted to find others who suffer from PTSD. During my senior year of High School (Jan. 1997) I was driving and was hit by a drunk driver. My then-boyfriend and my dog were also in the car. We were all OK, my bf and I only had minor injuries, and thankfully my dog was fine. The car was toast.
Following the incident, I began to experience extreme fear over being driven by other people, as in the year following this I was in three other car accidents in which I was a passenger. Therein began the process of me not being a fan of being driven by others, as you might imagine! :)
Since moving cross-country to a much bigger city with many thousands more residents and tourists than my old hometown ever had -- it increased the driving anxiety just a notch. I function OK, and I really enjoy getting out for a drive to see the sights - give me a several hours long drive any day! I do verbalize my annoyances with how others drive a lot more than others. To me, it's just a way to get it out and deal with it.. I mean, we can't change how the whole world drives, right?
My fiancee just today noted my driving actions/reactions and we've been together three years (known each other for 8).
Anyone living with PTSD in regard to motor vehicle accidents - as well as your thoughts and what helps you - are greatly encouraged to write. Thank you all for reading! :-)
Hi Travel guru!! Welcome to support groups!! I'm glad you found us!!
I too, have PTSD but mine is from quite severe abuse by my soon to be ex. I was, however, in a very bad accident when I was 19 and it affected me like you explain for a long time.
I was in the passenger seat of a car and a van hit us (I don't remember the actual accident so this is from witness testimony) and I was thrown out of the car, my right leg got hooked in the hinge area of the door and I was drug a ways then over a culvert and into the grassy mediun where I was jarred loose and landed in the grass.
My 6 month old daughter was in the back seat behind me and I guess I kept screaming for my baby because the only thing I remembered was glass exploding into my face and I knew she was right behind me and so I was invisioning that my poor baby was all cut up... She was fine, thank God, but i was kind of a mess
Somehow, I kept myself from going under the car and witnesses say they watched as I kept my body rigid and out of the wheels,but I did have nightmares for about 5 years of seeing a tire spinning.
After the accident I could not ride in the passenger seat of any car. I wouldn't let my baby be in a car unless absolutely necessary. If I was driving, I was better and less afraid. It did subside but it took me 10 years for sure and to this day, I check everyone for seatbelts, etc... and I always watch my right side even if stopsigns or lights because the van that hit me ran a stop sign.
I know it's hard but I hope it gets better for you eventually!!
If I lived in a big city, I think I would have a heart attack so you are braver than me!!! :)
dear travelguru, my husband has ptsd from an auto accident that resulted in a head injury causing extreme short term memory loss, anger management issues, and a cognitive decline, not good for a driver so we decided as a couple he could not drive any longer. when we drive in the car he is constantly on me about my driving. here is a stop sign, red light light, pedestrian at the corner, watch out, watch out etc. not that i don't appreciate his help, but.... i am sure you get my drift. he was obviously traumatized and i try to humor him and be patient. it is my opinion that time and patience will tell and that is the best thing to do. i ask for a blessing from God before we take off in the car and give glory to God upon arrival and i think this helps. realizing that we are in the Hands of our God is the best i can do for my husband and to drive as safe as possible always following the rules of the road is the best i can do for my husband, giving him the time he needs, space and patience. which is what is advocate for yourself. all my best with faith and hope in your process.