Crashing my car has left me traumatised and ridden with anxiety

DEAR DEIDRE: CRASHING my new car has left me too traumatised to drive again.

I’m a woman of 47 and have always been a safe, confident driver with no points on my licence.

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But a few months ago I bought a new car. Two days later it accelerated wildly and crashed into a tree. I was lucky to walk away unhurt.

The police breathalysed me and, of course, I had a zero reading. Nobody can explain what happened.

I now have a replacement car but it’s the same model and since the accident I’ve been too scared to drive it.

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I need a car to get to work so I’ve been taking days off sick or getting up at the crack of dawn to use public transport.

My doctor prescribed anti-anxiety drugs to calm me down but I need a long-term solution.

DEIDRE SAYS: Your accident must have been terrifying and has understandably affected your confidence.

Ask your GP if they can prescribe some therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy in particular might be helpful.

You can also contact Anxiety UK (anxietyuk.org.uk).

Perhaps you should speak to the garage to see if it is possible to exchange the car for a different model.

And ask a friend or relative to go driving with you until you have rebuilt your confidence.