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Super Contributor
Posts: 426
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Driving again after minor fender bender

I had a minor parking lot fender bender yesterday. I am supposed to head out for a quick solo trip on Tuesday. It is about an hour and 1/2 drive which I have done often. I am feeling a little anxious about it and wonder if I should cancel. I would incur a 200.00 cancellation fee. Is this a natural reaction and has anyone experienced the same thing? Thanks in advance
Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,239
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

glad you are okay and as the saying goes.....

 

"If you fall off a horse, you get right back on." 

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"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein
Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,705
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

[ Edited ]

@gellen wrote:
I had a minor parking lot fender bender yesterday. I am supposed to head out for a quick solo trip on Tuesday. It is about an hour and 1/2 drive which I have done often. I am feeling a little anxious about it and wonder if I should cancel. I would incur a 200.00 cancellation fee. Is this a natural reaction and has anyone experienced the same thing? Thanks in advance

It's probably normal but if you don't n*ip it in the bud, dwelling on it will consume you and it will take over if you let it.  Are you injured at all?  If you temporarily "can't" drive due to pain or immobility, that would be a reasonable excuse. Otherwise, get back on the horse.   

Honored Contributor
Posts: 78,318
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

@gellen.  When you fall off a horse (so to speak), the thing to do is to immediately make yourself get back on and ride it.   Your confidence will soon be restored.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,976
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

@gellen  you are not alone, this is common.  I think it's best to sort of ****** it in the bud. ...just go.  Take the longer way if you have to, avoid freeways.  Take your time, leave really early. If you panic, pull over.  I think the longer you put it off, the worse it can get. I know a couple people like this, one is my 30yo granddaughter.  She was a big accident on LA freeway.  We are from a small town. A semi hit her from the back, totally his fault.  She was so scared to drive. She had to rest a week anyway, but drive to chiropractor. It was close. She was okay until she had to go to start school, and it was far.  She started out show, she did get nervous. But she did it. Took her a few weeks to take freeway, now she's better. But she will never drive to LA again she said, will not drive there.  I am glad she tried right away to shorter distance, and not take freeways it helped indoctrinate her back into driving. It was traumatic experience whether you realize it or now.   Good luck 

“sometimes you have to bite your upper lip and put sunglasses on”….Bob Dylan
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,432
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

I had a rather bad accident and due to injuries, I could not drive for about 3 months.  Once my car was repaired and my body, I did not want to drive alone.  I asked a friend to drive around the block with me a time or two, just to make sure I was able to physically and mentally.  I was fine and you will be too.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,967
Registered: ‎12-14-2018

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender


@gellen wrote:
I had a minor parking lot fender bender yesterday. I am supposed to head out for a quick solo trip on Tuesday. It is about an hour and 1/2 drive which I have done often. I am feeling a little anxious about it and wonder if I should cancel. I would incur a 200.00 cancellation fee. Is this a natural reaction and has anyone experienced the same thing? Thanks in advance

Is it possible someone could drive you?  If not and you are still feeling uneasy then don't do it. As far as you feeling anxious ~ I think it's a normal reaction and it will go away. Good luck to you and try to enjoy your trip.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,148
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender


@gellen wrote:
I had a minor parking lot fender bender yesterday. I am supposed to head out for a quick solo trip on Tuesday. It is about an hour and 1/2 drive which I have done often. I am feeling a little anxious about it and wonder if I should cancel. I would incur a 200.00 cancellation fee. Is this a natural reaction and has anyone experienced the same thing? Thanks in advance

 

@gellen 

 

Don't cancel; you need this.  Have you driven up and down your street a few times?    Getting back on the saddle, so to speak.

 

Even if you're a little anxious on the trip, I'm sure you'll be very careful .... so you'll be fine.  

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,308
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

I don't know if it's normal but I sure felt it after a minor fender bender that was a chain reaction.  I was in the middle of it.  No one was hurt but I had my daughter and her friend in the car.  And altho the wreck of my brand new Lincoln in April was more than a minor fender bender, no one was hurt and to this day, I'd rather be the passenger and play with all the gadgets than drive.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,911
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Driving again after minor fender bender

@gelen, Sorry about your accident and I'm glad your weren't injured. Years ago I was hit by a Sheriff's car at an intersection. I wasn't injured just a little shook up but my car had major damage. After that accident every time I had to go through that intersection I would get really nervous. This went on for a while. I think it's a natural reaction.