Road and transport accidents

A road or transport accident can happen in seconds but leave effects that last far longer than any physical injury. If you or a colleague has been through one, it is worth taking the emotional impact as seriously as the physical one.

What it is

South Africa's roads carry real risk, and accidents - whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian - are common enough that many people experience one at some point. Beyond physical injury, road accidents can be genuinely traumatic events. The suddenness, loss of control and sense of danger involved can leave lasting psychological effects, including anxiety about driving or travelling again, even in people who walked away with only minor physical injuries.

Signs to notice

• Anxiety, dread or panic about driving, being a passenger or using public or work transport
• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the accident
• Avoiding the route, vehicle type or time of day the accident occurred
• Hypervigilance while travelling, such as constantly checking mirrors or bracing for impact
• Sleep disturbance or nightmares related to the accident
• Physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating when approaching a vehicle
• Guilt, especially if others were injured or if you were driving

What helps

• Return to travel gradually rather than avoiding it altogether, where it is safe to do so - short, manageable trips can help rebuild confidence.
• Practise grounding and breathing techniques before and during travel if anxiety builds.
• Talk about the accident with people you trust, at your own pace, rather than keeping it entirely to yourself.
• Address any practical stressors from the accident, such as insurance claims or vehicle repairs, which can add ongoing strain.
• Avoid making major decisions, like giving up driving entirely, while still in the acute aftermath - give yourself time to see how you recover.
• Be patient with yourself if progress feels slow. Recovery from an accident, physically and emotionally, rarely follows a straight line.

When to reach out for help

Reach out to a professional if travel-related anxiety persists beyond a few weeks, if you are avoiding transport in ways that limit your work or life, or if you notice ongoing flashbacks, nightmares or hypervigilance. Support is especially important if someone was seriously injured or died in the accident, or if you feel responsible for what happened.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors offer confidential, trauma-informed support for members recovering from road and transport accidents, accessible through your organisation's EAP. SADAG's Mental Health Line (011 234 4837) provides further guidance and referrals. If the accident involved a crime, such as hijacking, SAPS can be reached on 10111.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.