I've become an interstate basketcase

[Aurora63]

Ever since my accidennt last week, I get really nervous on the road, especially on the interstate. I am not driving myself yet, which is a factor (I always felt more in control, therefore less nervous, when I was driving). But with being a passenger, and taking the interstate daily, it is really freaking me out.

Especially when there are big 18-wheeler trucks nearby...I always think they might not see us and decide to change lanes while we are next to them...I will spend the entire time gripping the passenger door, literally with white knickles, while DH laughs.

Then I notice how other people drive. Now this can be scary. The other day, I saw a car which was literally less than six feet from the car in front of it...travelling at least 50 mph! Freaks me out! Why are people in such a hurry, and so discourteous? Peoples lives are at stake here.

It really, truly, makes me want to move to a less congested area, but being that we just moved here two months ago, that will not be happening anytime soon.

I guess I'll have to just start driving again to get over this, huh? Have you all ever gone through this? I have always been a little nervous of traffic in general but this is getting ridiculous. I even dreamt last night that DH got rear ended. And then the perspn who rear ended him tried to just drive off.

Sorry for the long post, but this is a much needed vent. Thanks for listening.

 

[chell]

 

[monarchsfan16]

I felt the same way for months after my accident. And it really is worse when you're riding instead of driving, for exactly why you said, you're not in control. I still haven't had the guts to use the exit from the school parking lot that I used the day I got hit. It scares me to death. I hate making left hand turns, because that's how the accident happened, and I was so close to being seriously hurt. It really sounds like you're going through exactly what I went through. Now that I'm behind the wheel (and it took months for me to be ready to drive without my parents...keep in mind my accident happened just 10 months after I got my license) I feel better, but there are still places I'm a little overly cautious about.

And yes, people are really discourteous. I was taking a left and was waiting until things were really clear. The person behind me was laying on the horn because he felt I should go sooner. It seems that I notice now, more, how badly people drive.

It will get better. It takes time. It's normal though. At least that's what I've been told.

 

[powellrj]

I understand how you feel, and to be honest you never really get over it. It gets better, but my accident was 5 or 6 years ago and I am still a fearful passenger. I drive 2,000 or 3,000 miles a month so driving isn't a problem ( although I am very careful on the interstate) but I am the worst passenger.

 

[TINKTWINS]

I was in an accident in a small car many years ago, since then I am horrible passenger, give me the wheel baby!! I also drive an SUV, makes me feel a bit safer. feel better soon!

 

[Pop Daddy]

shake it off

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just wanted to give you a Aurora, and tell you I understand, you are not at all unusual. My best, you'll do fine over time, just give it time.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

I understand completely!

I was the passenger in a car driven by my DH at least 6 1/2 years ago. It was my parent's car and they were watching my daughter while we took their car to a bar mitzvah. We took their car and left them ours because the car seat was in ours so it was easier than switching it.

This guy came around a curve very fast and t boned the car on the passenger side. While he didn't hit the car in my door I hit my head against the metal edge of the door during impact. While DH was out talking to the other driver I discovered that I cut my head somewhere during the accident. They called 911 and I ended up on a back board all strapped in and going to the hospital. My dad's car ended up being totaled out.

Luckily I was fine. The cut in my scalp was minor. But ever since I am very nervous in the passenger seat.

Your fear will lessen over time, but it might never completely go away -- mine's still with me almost 7 years later.