In 2012, it was estimated that more than 92 people suffered fatalities daily as a result of automobile accidents in the United States. In that same year, more than 2.3 million individuals were injured in automobile accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While the statistics do show that the majority of automobile accidents are not fatal, even minor automobile accidents that lead to injury have been shown to cause long-term suffering for accident victims.
Emotional Effects of Automobile Accidents
While people often focus their attention on the physical injuries people suffer in automobile accidents, they often overlook the long-term emotional damage accident victims suffer. Many individuals who are involved in car accidents, especially those involving fatalities, deal with long-term anxiety that can make it difficult for them to travel in or operate a motor vehicle. Their fears and phobias diminish their quality of life and can lead to post traumatic stress, depression, and persistent anxiety.
The Link between Accident Severity and Emotional Distress
There is a connection between the severity of the accident and the level of anxiety and stress the victim feels after the accident. However, contrary to popular perception, it is often the individuals who are in minor accidents that have severe emotional and psychological distress after the accident. This is according to a study performed by Richard Mayou, a professor of psychiatry at Oxford University.
A Driver’s Experience Versus a Passenger’s Experience
A study was done on more than 1,000 men and women who had been in an automobile accident that was serious enough to require being taken to the hospital. The vast majority of these individuals recovered from the psychological impact of the accident within three months to one year. Interestingly, the majority of individuals who had persistent feelings of anxiety after the accident were passengers in the vehicle.
This may be in part to the difference in the experience a driver and a passenger has during the accident. The driver has a measure of control over the vehicle and may feel that they can avoid the accident up to the moment of impact. Conversely, a passenger has no control over the vehicle and may have a sense of helplessness that persists and leads to anxiety for years after the accident.
Treatment for Post-Accident Anxiety
If months have passed after an accident and an individual still feels nervous, anxious, or avoids certain situations that remind him of the accident, it is advisable to seek assistance from someone in dealing with their post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatments they receive can include anxiety medicine, breathing and relaxation techniques, and relaxation exercises.
Being in an automobile accident is a traumatic experience. However, with time, proper treatment, and stress management techniques, a victim of an automobile accident can find relief from their anxiety.
