CTP Insurance Claims

Expert Tips

Tips for Choosing Your First Car

Research has shown that car accidents can have long-term psychological effects on drivers, even after physical injuries have healed. According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, up to 50% of people involved in a motor vehicle accident may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and a fear of driving or being in a car.

In addition, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that a significant number of people involved in car accidents reported a reduction in their quality of life due to physical and emotional distress. This can include a loss of freedom, difficulty returning to work, and financial stress due to medical bills and other expenses.

At Safe2go Driving Lessons, we understand the emotional toll that a car accident can have on drivers. We have been working with CTP insurance companies for many years to help drivers regain their confidence and get back behind the wheel. Our safe graded desensitization approach has been proven to be effective in helping drivers overcome their fears and anxieties.

While the number of lessons required can vary depending on the individual, we typically find that the average student can benefit from up to 20 lessons. By working with our experienced instructors, drivers can develop the skills and confidence they need to safely and comfortably get back on the road.

How it works – An occupational therapist (OT) who conducts a driver assessment in NSW with a mental disorder of PTSD will typically use a comprehensive and holistic approach to evaluate the individual’s driving ability. The OT will first review the person’s medical history, including the nature and severity of their PTSD symptoms, and conduct a clinical interview to assess their functional abilities, cognitive skills, and visual-perceptual abilities. The OT will then conduct an on-road assessment to evaluate the person’s driving skills, reaction times, decision-making, and awareness of potential hazards.

The assessment report is important to set goals for the injured person to return back to driving. It outlines the person’s strengths and weaknesses and makes recommendations for any modifications or adaptations needed to the vehicle or driving environment. The report is also used to develop a rehabilitation plan and set goals for the person to work on in order to improve their driving skills and regain their confidence on the road.

The benefit of safety for the injured person and the general public on the road cannot be overstated. If someone with PTSD is not assessed and receives the necessary treatment, they may be at risk of experiencing flashbacks or other symptoms while driving, which could lead to accidents and injuries. By ensuring that the person is fit to drive and that they receive the necessary training and support, the likelihood of accidents and injuries can be reduced, benefiting not only the injured person but also the general public on the road.

In some cases, a driver trainer may be involved in the assessment process. The driver trainer can provide input on the person’s driving ability and make recommendations for additional training or practice. After the assessment, the person may receive a series of driving lessons to help them work on specific areas identified in the assessment report. These lessons are designed to help the person regain their confidence and improve their driving skills, and to help them achieve their goals for returning to driving.

In summary, a comprehensive and holistic driver assessment conducted by an occupational therapist is crucial for individuals with PTSD to safely return to driving. The report sets goals for the injured person to work towards, outlines any necessary vehicle modifications, and includes recommendations for additional training or practice. The benefit of safety for the injured person and the general public on the road is significant, and driver trainers may be involved in the process to provide additional support and guidance.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. One such traumatic event is a motor vehicle accident (MVA). It is well-documented that individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms that can negatively impact their ability to drive safely. Therefore, it is dangerous for someone with PTSD from an MVA to drive, and recommending them to solo drive without appropriate training can increase the risk of accidents.

Research suggests that individuals with PTSD have a higher rate of motor vehicle accidents compared to the general population. A study conducted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that combat veterans with PTSD had a significantly higher rate of motor vehicle accidents than veterans without PTSD. Another study conducted in Norway found that individuals with PTSD had a higher rate of motor vehicle accidents than those without PTSD.

Moreover, individuals with PTSD from an MVA may experience anxiety, panic attacks, and other symptoms that can make it challenging to focus on the road, respond to hazards, and make decisions in stressful situations. This can increase the risk of accidents and lead to further trauma.

In light of these concerns, it is important that CTP insurance companies become aware of the dangers involved in allowing individuals with PTSD from an MVA to drive without proper treatment and exposure. They should consider factors such as the severity of PTSD symptoms, the individual’s driving history, and the availability of appropriate treatment and training. CTP insurance companies can also support interventions that promote safe driving practices and address the mental health needs of individuals with PTSD.

In conclusion, individuals with PTSD from an MVA may be at higher risk for motor vehicle accidents, and it is essential that they receive appropriate treatment and training before driving. CTP insurance companies should be aware of these risks and take steps to promote safe driving practices and support interventions that address the mental health needs of these individuals. 

Industry Experience

Insurance companies we have dealt with are –

  • Allianz Australia Insurance
  • NRMA CTP
  • GIO CTP
  • SUNCORP CTP
  • AAMI
  • QBE

Sources:

  • National Center for PTSD. (2017). Driving after a Traumatic Event. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_driving.asp
  • Elhai, J. D., Ford, J. D., Ruggiero, K. J., Frueh, B. C., & Beckham, J. C. (2009). Motor vehicle accident involvement of veterans with and without combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 41(1), 115-119.
  • Lien, L., Green, K. T., Thoresen, S., & Wentzel-Larsen, T. (2011). The mediating effect of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms on hazardous driving behaviors and traffic accidents in a population-based cohort of survivors of severe motor vehicle crashes. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25(2), 232-239.
Scroll to Top