[kimbo1]

Originally Posted by SKL

I would try to re-introduce driving very gradually. Begin at a time of day when she's most likely to be able to calm herself. Start with a very short trip, even just up and down the driveway, and then give a gap for her to relax and have fun before you try again, with a slightly longer trip. Tell her exactly how long each trip will be. Maybe tell her she will get something nice at the end of the trip. Let her hold her "lovey" during the trip. When she says she is scared that an accident will happen, tell her that hardly ever happens, and remind her of many pleasant trips (pre-accident) when nothing bad happened. Be as matter-of-fact as possible.

If she has toy cars, maybe have her play with the cars and get some of the fears out of her system that way. Talk about/demonstrate all the things drivers can do to keep safe, and tell her you and dad will be doing all those things.

Another thing - is it possible that you also feel nervous about being in a car / driving now? If so, she is surely picking up on it, so consider what you may need to do to get past this.

I'd give her at least a few days or a week before turning to professional help. Just my opinion.

Good luck!

So much good advise from everyone on this thread. Thanks-you, everyone.

I just wanted to address a few things:

1. We went out a trip to the dr's (other issues we have w/ DS) today & she did better....but I still think we might need more focused attention for her to work through it completely.

2. Our older DD seems fine-although if we got into another accident now-I doubt she would be!

3. I drove today with very little problem (emotionally). I did panic a bit when a car trying to turn left on front of me looked like it might not stop! I wasn't breathing hard or anything, but my heart did beat faster for a bit.

I think I will have physical issues much longer than the emotional ones, though.