The psychologist listed the ways to overcome the fear of driving after an accident

Crisis psychologist Varvara Likunova spoke on Friday, April 10, about practical exercises that can help drivers who have survived an accident overcome their fear of getting behind the wheel again.

The expert explained that the appearance of a phobia after an accident is a protective mechanism that the brain triggers to protect against repeated traumatic experiences.

"Therefore, it is important to make it clear to the brain that the danger is in the past. To do this, you need to bring yourself back to reality — the accident has already happened, but now you are in a different place, in different conditions and with different opportunities," the psychologist explained in an interview with Lenta.Ru .

She recommended not to force yourself to get in the car if there is fear and anxiety, because violence against yourself only reinforces fear. But complete disregard is also a trap, and the return should be gradual, RT reports.

Likunova said that it is necessary to answer three questions in writing.: what exactly happened during the accident, what is under the control of the driver, what he can influence while driving.

The next stage is a metered return. At first, you can just sit in the car, then drive around the yard, parking lot, or a familiar route. The path should be gradually complicated. It is also recommended to take several classes with an instructor to regain confidence and control.

Likunova noted that breathing practice, which consists of taking a deep breath for four counts and exhaling for six, is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety in the here and now.

She added that if driving is not life-threatening, you can take a conscious break.

"But if a car is an everyday necessity and a job, it's better not to ignore fear, but to work through it. You need to return to driving at your own pace," the expert concluded.

Medical mishap: attacks and aggression became the main threats for doctors

The number of unfounded claims from patients and their relatives is also growing.

In turn, a former ambulance doctor and author of medical books, Andrey Zvonkov, told how to properly provide first aid to victims of an accident. According to the expert, the first step is to call 103 and inform the dispatcher as much information about the incident as possible.: the number of victims, their approximate age and the nature of the injuries, reports 360.ru .

Over the past day, 214 road accidents have occurred on Russian roads, in which 26 people were killed and 243 injured. 19 of the dead were drivers and passengers. This was reported to Izvestia on April 10 by the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

14 accidents involving buses were recorded, in which one person was killed, and 15 more road users needed medical help. Nine bus accidents were caused by traffic violations committed by drivers of other vehicles.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.