<p>Thank you all for your kind words of understanding. I knew that since you are all parents, you could relate to the horror this event. Words cannot even express it. She is doing fine, sore with bruising to her left leg and the very minor cuts, feeling very guilty, but fine otherwise. She did drive to school yesterday, driving our spare car, the Impala. This took a lot of guts on her part (and mine) not only for just getting back in the saddle again, but driving a bigger car that’s she’s not as familiar with. But she did fine. I only called her a total of 5 or 6 times during the course of before school, during lunch break, after school and while I was at work last night. </p>
<p>The more I think of it, the more I thank God every minute that my child is still here with us. However, I alternate between being down and horrified at the mere thought of what could have happened, to being extremely happy that what could have happened, did NOT happen.</p>
<p>What I would also suggest- is that she go to a massage therapist who does deep tissue work. It not only can help with healing and releasing tension in her body- as well as the therapist can assess to see if she has anything that should be looked at further by another medical practitioner, but it is very nurturing and can help her with emotional healing as well.</p>
<p>Joining those who are grateful that all made it through the accident so well. I also want to join those who urge you to have D checked by a medical professional. PCS, or post-concussion-syndrome, is something you want to look for.</p>
<p>I was also in a pretty bad wreck a few weeks after I got my license. I’ve always been an avid believer in seat belts, but after one saved my life I literally feel like part of me is missing if I get into a car and don’t wear one.</p>
<p>It’s such a wake-up call, that’s for sure. I’m glad I walked away from my accident with nothing wrong; just shaken up. My passenger was also fine! I’m glad your daughter is okay.</p>
<p>Friends of mine that have never before been involved in a car accident can’t believe my parents weren’t angry with me for crashing my new car. I rear-ended a jeep that slammed on its breaks just a few weeks ago and again, my friends are amazed that I’m not in big trouble with my parents. Each time I’ve been involved with a car accident I’ve always been comforted with “Don’t worry about it. Cars can be replaced…kids cannot. Your parents will understand.” This has always rung true!</p>
<p>A word of advice: your daughter could be nervous driving for a while. I certainly was when it came to big stop sign intersections (my accident was like a tone-downed version of hers) but hated to admit it. I really appreciated it when my mom offered to drive me places during particularly busy times (example: if I had to meet someone at the library, she would drop me off, run some errands, then pick me back up) and helped me find alternate routes that involved stop lights instead of stop signs.</p>
<p>I’m glad your d and all involved escaped with only minor injuries.</p>
<p>Many drivers, even the best will lose focus, become distracted, or suffer from the mundaneness of driving.</p>
<p>The best advice I gave my kids was that everytime they start the car, they are in control of a lethal weapon and to remember it.</p>
<p>Secondly, no matter HOW good a driver they are, or become, there’s always “THE OTHER GUY”. Treat every vehicle on the road with them as a potential disaster. This includes me if they see me in their rear view mirror.</p>
<p>Accidents happen. Experience and focus is what helps to avoid them.</p>
<p>I can totally relate to the PTSD that you are feeling. My D was also in an accident this morning. Driving to work, she came over a hill and was totally blinded by the sun glare. She skimmed the guardrail on the left, then lost control and went over the 3 lanes to the right and jumped an embankment and ended up 30 feet down in a ditch. She is also very shaken, but said the worst part was the “creepy” guy who stopped to offer to “keep her warm in his car” until the police came. Thankfully, the police arrived quickly and the policeman waited up on the highway until the tow truck arrived.</p>
<p>She has always shrugged off my warnings and thinks I am being overprotective when I tell her to beware of strangers in situations like this when you are vulnerable, but it only took minutes for this guy to appear. I’m so thankful this happened in the daylight and that her cell phone worked.</p>
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