Millions suffer from Crashback
May 29, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Insurance
Having a car crash may have more of an effect on us than we think it will.
New research has highlighted a condition which has been labelled ‘Crashback’ and sees 85,000 people failing to get back behind the wheel six months after the accident.
More Than highlights that many drivers suffer from nightmares, panic attacks and flashbacks following a crash and this affects their future driving.
It could have a negative impact on insurance claims as well, as sufferers tend to lose confidence, become nervous motorists and are more prone to driving erratically – increasing the chances of having another accident.
The effects of Crashback can be felt for some time, with More Than discovering that almost 170,000 British motorists take more than six months to drive again.
An additional 85,000 people say they have not returned to their car since crashing and over three million admitted that they still thin about their accident every time they drive.
Marcia Chambers, from accident councillors FirstAssist Services, said help is at hand.
“Crashback is a very common condition amongst drivers who have been involved in an accident,” she commented. “Any car crash, no matter how small, can be traumatic, and there’s nothing unusual in feeling upset or anxious after a crash.
“An important part of the recovery process is talking about how you feel. Partners, family and friends are often willing to help, but there is also the option of speaking to a professional counselling service.”
Keeping an accident to yourself can prolong the recovery period, yet 1.5 million of those asked said that they have never told anyone about their crash.
