Not just speeding tickets, but automobile accidents?

I know that one typical statistic for folk with Bipolar may be an unusual number of speeding tickets — and I’ve had my fair share. But what about car accidents? Anything from bumping into something to major wrecks.

Do you think an increased number of accidents is consistent with BP?

Looking back I think I’ve had more car accidents than the average bear.

Yes, I think so. I have had a lot of fender benders (3, 4? can't remember), also one major accident (no one injured but the car totaled). Nearly every time I didn't notice the other car and I think racing thoughts caused me to think I'd looked in that direction or made me not notice an oncoming car, especially when I make left turns. I've bumped into lots of things backing up too like poles & dumpsters, causing minor cosmetic damage to the car. I have not gotten a speeding ticket. The only traffic ticket I got was when the state passed a law about having to slow 20 mph from the speed limit or get a lane over (on a larger road) if a police car was stopped with the lights flashing. They had a traffic sting for it, and I was in my early 20's, didn't watch or listen to news, had no idea that law even existed, so then I ended up in defensive driving class to get that ticket off my record. But there have been a lot of times I should have been ticketed, just there wasn't a police car present, driving the wrong way on one-way streets, once even a street I drive on 3 or 4 times a week and have done for over 10 years.

H doesn't have bipolar, and he has had one traffic accident totalling his car (but it was likely the other driver was speeding, however, he was turning left so he got the ticket). He only ever got one other ticket for speeding. He's never had any fender benders, and people drive like maniacs in Houston.

It makes sense.

I spun out on the interstate once during a snowstorm when I was coming up on someone going much slower than me and I hit the brakes with bald tires. If I remember correctly I was also buzzed. No damage to the car, no one else involved (except my girlfriend in the passenger seat), and that was the only accident I've ever had.

Only ticket I've ever gotten was a parking ticket, not to say I haven't done things a police man would have ticketed me if he/she had seen.

I think it's possible, A Hobbit. I'm not sure about it, though. Perhaps you should ask your doctor? Car accidents can be very dangerous, I'd be worried if I had too many. Perhaps you can use your car less often? Can you afford it? Please take care of yourself and stay safe. Sending many hugs to you

I've had some very unlucky accidents. But. granted I have also been very reckless at times. Nowadays I drive pretty slow, occasionally going 10mph above speed limit on highway.
I've totalled 3 cars in my 12 years of driving. And had a few fenders in the driveway when I was younger. And one really frightening crash when I was 16 where I am lucky to be alive.

Anyways, I wouldn't attribute my recklessness to being bipolar. However, some instances yes, I might of been manic.

Honestly, we shouldn't be driving if we're manic or psychotic its just not safe.

I am very careful about driving when having any med side-effects, etc.
So far, no tickets, no accidents. Keeping my fingers crossed!


WC

Totaled two cars (no one was hurt in either accident). I'm just a bad driver I guess hahaha.

I have never gotten a ticket or a car accident; but I have been paying some ridiculous premiums due to my age. I think I am the only person in my graduating class not to have any sort of accident or ticket. I've been in the car with parents who have had accidents; mom once ran into a parked car, but so far I've been lucky when it comes to driving. Knock on wood nothing happens.

About the time I was first diagnosed I had a car accident. It was definitely bipolar related. At the time I was very manic. I had painted my finger nails sparkly gold and was distracted and busy waving my hands around.
I had a mental blank driving on a motorway at 100 km/hr and a panic attack behind the wheel. I stopped driving 2yrs ago due primarily to a lack in confidence.

I have had MULTIPLE accidents within short periods of time while manic... mostly very minor but sometimes causing damage. I am so wreckless when manic that almost the very first thing my husband does if he thinks I’m high is take my keys. It doesn’t help that I will fly down the highway at 90 MPH bopping my head to upbeat music. I am very unsafe and I’m the first to admit it (well...I’ll admit it when I’m not manic that is).

I have only been in one car accident but that was someone else driving- and before my diagnoses

we were driving in to the carpark of the supermarket and got hit by another car

one of these thihngs I tend to want to forget, but also one of these moments where I was extremely lucky (getting away with minimum injury)