Home More advice General Knowledge
My best friend was in 5 car accidents when she was under 18 but now she is 22 and needs to get her drivers license but she is scared to get behind the wheel. How can I help her get over her fear? Is there any thing I can do?
I assume she didnt cause all 5 accidents?
The only way to get over fear is to do something. There is no other way. You can talk, you can rationalize, you can give her statistics, but the only way to overcome fear is to simply face whatever you're scared of. So if she really wants to get over it, she needs to get behind the wheel. Even if it isnt an actual car. If she is really that scared, then this may sound silly, but take her to a place where she can drive bumper cars, or golf carts... they're slow, I mean there's not much damage she can do in them. And then to a car, in a very very large empty area on like a sunday morning where there's no one around, and nothing that could be hurt. Get her a very patient teacher. This may be you, or it may be someone else. Some people are more prone to panic than others... So make sure it is someone who has a ton of patience. Preferably she should go to a driving school where the teachers are experienced, and they have breaks... so if she does anything, they can always slam down the break for her... The first step is always the hardest! Once she actually gets behind the wheel, it will be a lot easier.
Slowly start to coax her out of it by letting her drive in a vacant parking lot, or your own driveway. Get the basics laid down then that could work.
She needs to be a better driver though, 5 accidents under 18 is high risk insurance for sure.
You may not be able to - deeply embedded - may need professional assistance...I wish you both the best !!
