On Sunday, March 14, adults nationwide observed Daylight Saving Time, turning the clocks one hour ahead. Losing an hour of sleep is much more significant than you might think. In fact, drivers are more prone to getting in accidents after the clocks change. According to Lawyers.com, Daylight Saving Time leads to “an increase in drowsy driving-related car accidents resulting from the lost hour of sleep and commuters being unaccustomed to driving in the dark the [following] Monday.”
Whether you experience an incident now or at any other time of year, one thing is certain: over the course of our lives, being involved in a car crash — and, more accurately, several crashes — is inevitable. Forbes reports that a typical driver will be a part of three to four car accidents.
The most important thing to do after a crash is gain your confidence back. Do these things to feel at ease while driving.
Get Back to Driving
It may sound counterintuitive or scary at first, but the best thing you can do is to get back out on the road. Even better, you don’t have to overdo it. Take it slowly at first.
Toyota recommends easing into it by driving around your neighborhood or by driving short distances from your home in less densely populated areas. Plus, avoiding high speeds on the highway will help you save on gas. While U.S. drivers are typically responsible for 44% of gas consumption worldwide, limiting time spent driving at high speeds can help change that. When you hit speeds of 50 miles per hour (mph) or above, you consume more gas. Staying below 50 will improve your gas mileage.
Learn How To Self-Soothe
No matter how severe the car crash, chances are it will take some toll on your mental health. Driving after the accident may provoke at least some anxiety and knowing how to mitigate that anxiety on your own can be tremendously helpful.
To keep anxiety at bay, consider physical activity, meditation, or art therapy. Deep breathing during meditation lowers blood pressure and promotes calm. Art therapy helps you focus on the present moment and explore any difficult feelings or emotions in a constructive manner.
When You Look Good, You Feel Good
Science backs it up: when you look good, you feel good. Something as simple as practicing looks-related self-care — whether that means dressing better or finally investing in orthodontic treatment — can do wonders for your emotional well-being.
Turn to Instagram for fashion inspiration, buy a new pair of glasses, and talk to an orthodontist about finally straightening your teeth. Do not worry about being the only adult with braces or clear aligners. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reveals 4 million people of all ages are currently wearing devices to help straighten their teeth.
Get Necessary Cosmetic Procedures
Unfortunately, there may be times when accidents themselves affect your appearance. Serious accidents may require shaving part — or the bulk of — your head or necessitate small cosmetic procedures, like skin grafts and reconstruction. You also may want to talk to an orthodontist.
Whether you are undergoing minor reconstruction or hair transplants, set appropriate expectations and be patient. For example, follicular unit extraction or FUE hair transplants will take root in a few days’ time. Plus, it may take four to five days for any swelling or redness related to the procedure to subside.
According to Business Insider, the majority of drivers — particularly men — may be overconfident in their driving skills. An impressive 80% of men describe their driving as “better than average.” Of course, you may not feel the least bit confident after an accident. To regain your confidence, get back out on the road, learn how to effectively manage anxiety, and do what you can to feel good about yourself in general and confidence in your driving will follow.
