A few weeks ago, I got into a car accident while parking. I hit a car while trying to park because the space wasn't big enough for my car and I had poor judgement. The parking lot is usually full and you must compete for a parking space. Well, since the accident I have been unable to park. It's like I completely forgot how to park. Today there was a large parking space open and I didn't know how to park in it. I had to reverse 4 times until I gave up and moved on to the next parking spot because people were beeping at me. I feel so embarrassed, what is wrong with me? I used to be able to park and now I can't. Please help. Serious answers only please.
2006-10-02 14:29:05 · 12 answers · asked by AL 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
*keep in mind that i'm 16 and a new driver
2006-10-02 14:31:50 · update #1
The trick of fitting into a parking spot is to turn the opposit way first. Say the parking spot is on your left, if you just turn in, you are going to have to reverse yourself to straighten out. But, if you swing right a little bit first, then turn the all the way in, you'll park fine without having to straighten yourself out. Practice in a non-busy parking lot and you'll get it. Good luck, I have been there too!
2006-10-02 14:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by Muggle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The important thing is that you realized you made a mistake and you know why you hit the car...the space was too small. Try practicing again at home, like you did for your permit, when there is no pressure...and try having a friend with you in the car to laugh and joke until you get your confidence back. I'm sure it will be hard, but do your best to take your time and go slow at work...even if cars are honking. Obviously they need to leave for work earlier if waiting 30 seconds for you to park is creating THAT much of a problem...you know?! I'd rather have people honk than for me to bump a car. Leave a few minutes early for work to give yourself the time so you don't feel rushed. Everyone had to learn at some point, and at least you're mature enough to realize you need more practice. Keep your head up, you will get it!
2006-10-02 21:47:12 · answer #2 · answered by speakeasy3456 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Psychologist and two-time car accident survivor. I personally get very anxious when I see people approaching stop signs, as I was hit by a drunk driver who failed to yield at a stop sign, and I have to hold back the urge to remove my foot from the brake (I was hit while braked, which caused the force to be worse and break my hand).
You are probably experiencing a bit of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Basically, the upset of having a car accident triggered PTSD, which can cause memory loss (often specific to the action which triggered the PTSD).
So because you were involved in an accident while parking, your mind, in an attempt to help you heal, has blocked your memory related to parking.
With time it should go away, but it wouldn't hurt to see a Psychologist or Psychiatrist to get a little guidance. There are PTSD drugs on the market as well, so if you feel you're having an incredibly hard time managing, you may want to consider temporary drug therapy.
Jenni
www.paranormal-society.com
2006-10-02 21:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by jlo5616 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say you are obsessing so much about the accident, that you are "psyching" yourself into a "I'm gonna hit someone" style of thinking. If you are afraid of hitting other cars, just park away from everyone else for a while till you feel better about this, and then try again. Build up to your fear slowly. Eventually, you will park as well or better than ever. The same goes for other phobias.
2006-10-02 21:37:54 · answer #4 · answered by deonne r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any form of accident leaves you shaken for a little while. It's natural also to lose a little confidence in the activity that caused the accident, your brain is telling you that last time you tried to park there was some serious stress involved so it is trying to protect you from that stress by making you forget how to park. Build your confidence back up by practicing your parking in a safe environment. Do it over and over until you feel your confidence returning. Parking can be stressful at the best of times for many of us. You'll be fine.
2006-10-02 21:36:40 · answer #5 · answered by golden_dragonfly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like anxiety, a sort of traumatic stress. I had an accident when the brakes of my car gave out and I rear ended some one. For many months whenever I'd see the brake lights go on from the car in front of me my stomach would turn and I'd tense up. After a while my reactions were less intense. Just keep parking and the panic will abate.
2006-10-02 21:38:23 · answer #6 · answered by beelziesluv@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a little bump in your confidence. Keep practicing parking and push threw your fear.
I think most people when they start driving have a few issues with parallel parking and many of us have stories about bumps, dents, and scratches we leave on other cars. As long as we take responsibility for our mistakes and try to improve this is all part of growing and becoming a better driver.
(It took me almost a year for me to back up into my folks' garage when parking the car...needless to say I hit the building a couple of times; leaving not only a dent in the car and my dad replacing the trim around the garage door a couple of times..but I learned and can back up today.)
Keep trying!!!
2006-10-02 21:38:55 · answer #7 · answered by Laurie G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is called 'gun shy.'
You just need to get your confidence back. Go to the mall parking lot when it is empty and practice. Try out all the different kinds of slots including right and left angles, and right and left parallel slots.
;-D You give it a try and you will regain your confidence.
2006-10-02 21:36:42 · answer #8 · answered by China Jon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It takes time to develop a sense of how big or small everything is when you first start driving. Just take your time, and don't be in a rush. Another suggestion.... Go to a defensive driving school, or high performance driving school if you can afford it. I highly recommend Bondaraunt in Phoenix, AZ.
2006-10-02 21:38:32 · answer #9 · answered by voyagernj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing is wrong with you. You're just scared because of your accident, and that's perfectly normal. Hopefully things will get better in time, and if not talk to your school guidence counselor...if he/she cannot help you, i'm sure they know someone who can.
2006-10-02 21:39:12 · answer #10 · answered by xopinkcarnationox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋