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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Car Prang......so upset

21 replies

golfergirl28 · 06/04/2014 15:39

AIBU to be so very upset? Yesterday as I was driving along my foot slipped off the brake and hit the accelerator.....wet, slippy shoes on. I smashed into the car in front of me. Cars badly damaged but neither the other driver nor me were hurt other than very shaken and shocked.
All my fault entirely. The other driver was extremely understanding and even tried to comfort me. We exchanged details and insurance will sort things out.
I'm so very upset at being the one to cause this. Everyone tells me it was an accident and to get over it.
By the way, my car is only 5 weeks old!
I'm still a bit weepy today.

OP posts:

JumpingJackSprat · 06/04/2014 15:44

It's the shock. You'll be Ok in a couple of days. You might find you develop whiplash. Do try not to wear slippy shoes while driving though :)

adoptmama · 06/04/2014 15:45

It is shocking when this happens so be kind to yourself. Even though the accident was your fault, it doesn't diminish the fright it gave you, or how vulnerable it can make you feel. Keep an old towel or a spare pair of shoes under the passenger seat to minimise the chances of it happening in the future and count your blessings that the only things hurt were your cars. It could have been a lot worse which you probably have thought of subconsciously at least, which is another reason for feeling so shaken today. If your confidence is really dented, look to take an advanced drivers cause to help you regain your confidence.

Yambabe · 06/04/2014 15:45

You are probably still in shock, your body releases a flood of adrenaline when things like this happen and it's the process of it being dealt with by your systems that leave you feeling weak, shaky and weepy.

Accidents happen, it's not the end of the world. As you said, insurance will sort it out.

If it was a heavy impact like you describe, expect an injury claim alongside the car damages though and don't be surprised if you start to feel stiff and sore yourself in the next day or so.

Bowlersarm · 06/04/2014 15:47

It's horrible isn't it? You feel so silly. I did that a few years ago now, but luckily for me it was a gentle bump and no damage done. You aren't alone, there must be hundreds of prangs everyday; at least it wasn't more serious.

MistressDeeCee · 06/04/2014 15:49

Hope you'll feel better soon OP. It is a shock when that kind of thing happens. Its so totally unexpected it can be frightening. Thankfully you weren't seriously injured.

Original poster

golfergirl28 · 06/04/2014 15:49

Oh, those words of wisdom do help.

OP posts:

HecatePropylaea · 06/04/2014 15:49

You're bound to be! Ignore your friends . Be kind to yourself. Have your bit of a cry, some chocs and relax and when you feel a bit better and calmer, have a think about it and learn from it.

nobody was hurt, thats the main thing. Dont go ott with the what ifs and all that.

you now have more experience and are aware of what wet or slippy shoes can do, so thats not a mistake you will repeat.

if you havent already, you need to get back in your car and go for a little drive, as soon as you can.

you will learn from it, it will make you a more experienced driver, but you of course have had afrightening and upsetting experience and you are allowed to be upset about it.If you are like me, you might like to really talk it all through very well in order to process it. Is there anyone that you can do that with?

Normalisavariantofcrazy · 06/04/2014 15:49

Ah you poor thing! It's a shock and even tho at the scene they may have seemed reasonable they may well push for PI compensation which, as I'm finding out, is a dirty business.

Be kind to yourself and if it helps take a few refresher driving lessons to rebuild your confidence up

HecatePropylaea · 06/04/2014 15:50

If you are like that, that should read. Not everyone finds that sort of approach helpful.

NettoSuperstar · 06/04/2014 15:54

I did this on Christmas day, sneezed and crashed into another car.
I'm in court for it on Tuesday, charged with driving without due care and attention

Original poster

golfergirl28 · 06/04/2014 15:56

Oh, Netto, were the police called to the scene of the accident? I asked if the other driver wanted the police called and someone said, "There's no point because noone is injured."
Could I still be charged, do you think? Another thing to worry about.

OP posts:

specialsubject · 06/04/2014 15:56

this is what insurance is for, because we are all human and we all make mistakes.

at least you know the cause and can correct it. I also appreciate that you have flagged it up - it is so important. I shiver when I see women getting out of driving seats wearing huge high heels, wedges, flip flops etc, clearly not having changed their shoes. Some trainers also get slippy when wet.

please everyone; if you do wear wrong shoes, keep a pair of driving shoes in the car to use.

Bowlersarm · 06/04/2014 15:57

Poor Netto! Why are you in court and thousands aren't?

IwinIwin · 06/04/2014 15:59

YABU OP. Just keep on driving though, don't let it stop you or put you off. I've had slips with my feet too when wet, so now I actually have a pair of 'driving shoe' i keep in the car and tissues. Makes it easier on wet days.

When I had an accident I was shaking for a while afterwards and so so nervy when driving. Even now I clench my teeth when driving in the ice and I'm far slower then normal.

IwinIwin · 06/04/2014 15:59

Bollocks that was meant to be YANBU, of course, OP

Bogeyface · 06/04/2014 16:00

Netto I am sure I read somewhere that a guy got found not guilty for the same thing beause it was agreed that he couldnt control the urge to sneeze, and that as we close our eyes when we sneeze, there was nothing he could do. He was still at fault for the accident, but it wasnt a driving without due care and attention.

What does your solicitor say?

IwinIwin · 06/04/2014 16:00

Netto, that's so horrible! Why are you being taken to court for an involuntary bodily function which momentarily distracted you? It could happen to anyone. Are the car owners suing you or something?

LaGuardia · 06/04/2014 16:03

Netto successfully hijacks thread.

GinSoakedMisery · 06/04/2014 16:05

Crashing your car is a horrible feeling. Even if it's not your fault you still feel rotten for a few days.

I crashed my car and wrote it off two months after passing my test, I felt awful for weeks.

The main thing op is that nobody was injured and cars can be repaired/replaced.

Netto good luck with your court appearance.

NettoSuperstar · 06/04/2014 16:06

I'm pleading guilty, don't have a solicitor, am hoping just to get a small fine.
I don't want to involve witnesses and stuff, or cause anyone more grief,
I am insured to the hilt as I drive a motabilty car, it paid for everything and my excess doesn't change, and luckily is only £75.
I was really shaken too, sobbing hysterically, the police drove me home, just round the corner.
Then I just felt, (and still feel) stupid.

parkin2010 · 06/04/2014 16:06

poor you, yanbu x

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