Terrified to Get on the highway

I got in an accident over a year ago while getting off the highway. I took the turn too fast and crash. Ever since I have been terrified to get on or off the highway or even to take a sharp turn. So I have been avoiding the highway for over a year now and being in the area I am this is very difficult. I'm really embarassed about it.

I'm not really asking for advice or anything. I know why I do it, I just wanted to say it. I don't tell anyone else, because I am so embarassed. I make excuses like the back roads are faster, I want to avoid all the traffic, etc., but in reality I am absolutely terrified.

The last time I got on the highway I froze while trying to merge. I just couldn't do it, I was in total panic crying and hyproventilating. I managed to get on and away somehow, but it was only because someone else took over. I don't remember anything past stopping at the end of the ramp and all of the cars behind me honking and yelling.

Its not even driving on the highway its the on and off ramps. Its totally rediculous I know.

Just wanted to vent.

((( Gemstone )))

Don't be embarrassed. It's perfectly understandable considering the scare you had when you crashed.

Try to lighten up on yourself. You have enough on your plate...you don't need a side dish.

Gem~

I am a good driver. had many a person compliment me on how well I do on the highways. But the whole time I am on there I am a nervous wreck. I have no idea why. I have gotten in an accident.. but this was going on before that. I sometimes will take back roads if at all possible. If I cant.. I just do my best to grin and bear it. Obviously you end up all tense by the time you get to your destination. I dont know what to say to help ya .. cause I dont know what to do to help myself even . Just wanted you to know your not alone.

Right now I am trying to decide whether to drive to VA Beach in August or Fly .. which I am terrified of also. But to drive there it will take 8-9 hrs.. Flying around 3...

Hope you can overcome this soon... I understand how terrifying it can be...

Hugz
Bethy

((((((( Petunia ))))))))))) Thanks. I know I should lighten up. It just feels so silly to me. I've have been through so much and I can't get over a car crash?

(((((Bethy )))))) Thanks. I'm sorry you have the problem too.

It's BECAUSE you've been through so much that you can't get over the car crash.

((((((((((((((((( Gemstone ))))))))))))))))))

Gemstone,
you know what? your fears aren't rediculous! they are totally understandable. I think it's a good idea that you take what time you need until you're comfortable.

I rolled a car many years ago when I was in college - and was thankfully uninjured. But my brother broke his neck four years prior (and is a quadraplegic) in a car accident...I think of him all the time.

Sweet Sunshine,
not an easy choice for anyone I presume. I'm scared of driving, and I'm scared of flying (my parents died in an airplane crash when I was a kid)....ugh ugh ugh...so I live in fear no matter what!

Gemstone,
are there areas you can drive in that progress to the highway? areas to drive and build your confidence?

Hi there,
I suffer from PTSD from a car accident, I wasn't driving but front passenger. A car was driving on the rode and hit us head on. I was 17 at the time and never learned to drive out of fear and constant panic attacks from even getting in a car. I still jump if I think a car is going to hit us and can vividly visualize every aspect of the potential accident... It's a day by day battle for me. This is just a basic summery of what happened to me.....just Believe me, it is NOT ridicuous to be fearful of something. Everytiime we pass the spot of the accident (which is near where we live) I just have to block it out... maybe I should (4 some odd years later). Not trying to pour my delimma on you, just lettign you know that it is ok to feel the way you do.

The same thing happened to me, I have ptsd from abuse different situations but,,, i had a car accident 5 years ago. I have still not driven on that highway! I freeze sweat anxiety, I will go 100 miles out of my way to avoid that highway~~ I hear you dont know how to change this though~~ I just wanted to say I understand! Chris

Hi! I can definitley relate.I had a car accident about 2 years
ago, my fault and I can't get on the expressway at all. I won't
even consider it. I always take the backroads, which I know
is silly but, I don't want to have a panic attack.

I just think its better to be safe than sorry. I really don't care
how long it takes me to get to places. I am thankful that
you and I are still alive after our accidents.

Gem, I suspect Tuny is right in that it is because so much has happened that you are having this difficulty. You shouldnt be embarrassed.

Ive had a few crashes, but one of them shook me up bad and it was nearly a year before i could face the junction again.

((( Gem )))

Is there a stretch of the highway that has two exits kind of close to each other, so it wouldn't be too long of a drive?

((((( All of You )))))

I've been working on this in t a little bit. We found a place where the entrance to the highway isn't a ramp, but a stop sign. Its not a very busy section of the highway either. I figure if I can get on with a turn and then get off at the ramp that would be a start.

My t said she will go with me if I want. I'm thinking maybe trying next week with her, if I am feeling better.

Gemstone, one thing my husband did teaching his youngest son to drive was to find a large deserted parking lot (and snow) and practice "skidding" and correcting skids, etc. in case his son got on one.

Maybe you could do something like that with/for yourself, find a large school parking lot and "practice". If it were me, I think I'd get up at 3:00 a.m. and go out on that highway and get on and off ramps for an hour, do cloverleafs, etc.? Maybe trust a friend to do the same with you and be "another" car for you? Make it a little fun or enjoyable (go to an all-night diner for a meal afterwards and to talk about how it was for you?). If that too is still too hard maybe just gradually do more and more; think of a plan like that.

I'm glad you are taking care of yourself, going the back roads, etc. and haven't just given up going out. I'd share how difficult it is with someone(s) though and maybe ride with them on the highway, etc. and then have them ride with you and talk about it! But keeping it locked in your head and heart and thinking it is ridiculous can't help you I don't think.