October 6th, 2023
1
My neck kept getting stuck while driving so I stopped checking my blindspots and almost died
Hi all, first of all I owe y’all a sincere apology. I always thought anxious drivers were pathetic, bad drivers. Only now do I realize you can’t control it, and driving anxiety is a serious problem which can afflict anyone.
I came to this conclusion because of a recent condition I’ve been suffering from which I’ve dubbed “lock neck.” What happens is, if I turn my neck too forcefully, it will get stuck. I become unable to move it until I push it back to the correct position with my hand. No idea why this started happening and I’ve yet to see a doctor.
This has made driving very difficult as checking my blind spots on the highway has become an entire ordeal. It requires me to take a hand off the wheel to reset my neck after I check, which can often cause me to swerve or have a really close call when someone brakes suddenly in front of me.
As a result, I stopped checking, and instead I just moved my mirrors while I’m driving as a way to “scan” the areas adjacent to my car. Within two days this method almost proved fatal as I very nearly flew off a cliffside highway going 95. I finished my drive in complete fear haven’t touched my car since.
I feel very traumatized by the incident and do not want to drive again.
October 6th, 2023
1
Comments:
[deleted]
I'm glad you're okay. I hope this serves as a lesson to have more compassion toward others' issues, especially anxiety. People have different rational reasons to be fearful, which anxiety magnifies into irrational and debilitating levels. You have a rational apprehension to driving due to your near fatal experience, but it can become irrational anxiety if it starts to extend after you get your neck checked out.
I recommend seeing a doctor about your neck first. After that, take easier trips to build your comfort again. You'll be okay with time. I'm not sure if going 95 was intentional (I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say it was accidental), but keep your speed reasonable. Speed limits are limits, not guidelines; even if it's not well enforced.
All the best!
15
LuciusDickusMaximus
Ope, That’s 95 KPH, not MPH haha! And regardless, I was driving on the Audubon (I’m in Germany for business, hence why I haven’t seen a doctor yet)
1
[deleted]
Gotcha! Ah yeah, 95 kph is about 60 mph, which is pretty normal for the interstate; which is still plenty fast. I hope you get treatment soon!
3
Nanadog
Autobahn...
You're full of crap.
1
Certified-Nerd98
so glad you’re okay! for future safety, I highly suggest looking up how to properly set up your side view mirrors. most of us were actually not taught how to do it the right way, your car should actually have zero blind spots between your rear view and side view mirrors. a proper set up will also keep you from having to extend your neck.
hope this helps and safe driving friend! you can do it :)
1