Don't think I'll ever drive again

[Longjohns]

I am in shock and feel terrible. I was in an accident which was totally my fault yesterday. I was reversing out of a space in a car park and went into the side of another car. The worst thing was that there was a baby in the car on the side where i hit the car, actually I feel sick thinking about this even now. The parents both got out and shouted at me (which I totally understand), but calmed down when it seemed the baby was OK. I keep replaying the scenario in my head and although the baby seemed OK I am so worried it has a concussion or other injury. I don't ever want to drive again as I don't trust myself not to do it again, I have driven for years and have never had anything like this happen. I feel so ashamed and guilty - has anyone got any advice?

Accidents happen OP.
It is usually safer to reverse into spaces and drive out so maybe make that the plan for the future.

Low speed accidents are normal and happen to everyone, I've managed to hit a massive purple bus and a listed building. (not at the same time)

This is going to knock your confidence and that's normal. If the confidence doesn't return, then book some lessons with an instructor and get them to support you in gaining confidence in manoeuvring in car parks.

Hi, OP. I caused an accident many years ago and had the same feelings of intense guilt and remorse they you're describing. Over time, I have come to terms with the fact that I didn't intend to put other people at risk, so if my experience is anything to go by, you will start to feel better with time. I hope so.

I still drive although I hate it and let DH do most of it. I'm acutely aware that this makes me dependent on him and that it is very restricting - we live in a rural area and there's no alternative to driving, apart from staying at home. I've recently decided to face my fears and do more driving, and a couple of weeks back did a two hour journey, perfectly safely. I think you're right to get back on it straight away, it gets harder if you let yourself stop. I wish you all the very best.

OP, I'm not surprised you're feeling really shaken up. I think this sort of thing happens to more people than admit about it.

One of my friends was in an accident (entirely his own fault -momentary lapse of concentration) and injured a pedestrian. When he got his license back, he took a course of extra driving lessons and an advanced driving test to improve his driving. Not saying you need to in your case, OP, but it might be something to consider by way of getting your confidence back.

The other thing to do is learn how to reverse into spaces (I learned this from Mumsnet!) - I think it's much safer, as you can see all the traffic as you go into the space, and it's so much easier to get out. Basically, you get the car's back end about a full parking space past the one you want to go into, then reverse with a full lock, using the wing mirrors to line you up. Once you've got the hang of it, it's just so much better than going in forwards, then having to reverse out.

Aw OP, it was an accident and it happens to so many of us. A few years ago a large truck crossed into my lane as we approached a roundabout and took out the entire left side of my car, it was his fault but I beat myself up over it for weeks thinking I should have done something differently. I was so shaken up and swore I would never drive again but I had to get to work somehow so the choice wasn't really mine! I'm so glad I got right back in the driver's seat and carried on.

One positive in situations like these is that we can learn something and become a better driver. Now when I come alongside an HGV I am extremely cautious whereas before I wouldn't have thought twice.

Also as PPs have mentioned, reverse-parking is much safer. Where I live virtually all offices operate a reverse-parking policy so it's become ingrained in me to do this whenever I'm parking.

OP, As long as you weren’t under the influence of drink or drugs and as long as you weren’t doing something reckless like being on your phone then don’t beat yourself up about this. I just don’t believe anyone can be a perfect driver. Accidents happen.

If I were you I would get parking cameras NOT sensors. My new car came with them and they are game changers. I was a very confident Parker but the cameras are just incredible.

I NEVER drive into a parking spot frontways. I always reverse in. It’s much safer.

I think an advanced driving course is a good idea. I’m planning on doing one. I have had a bump thankfully but I find I’m getting a bit less confident when I drive. I don’t know why. I drive a lot, maybe it’s the menopause or something 😅. I can’t see what harm it will do.

Get parking cameras, they are great. I mainly wanted them for when dropping off and collecting children as sometimes it is dark and very busy with loads of kids around.

What difference would a ‘baby on board’ sticker make?
If the op reversed into the car it’s highly unlikely it’s going to be visible to her, so I’d guess it’s irrelevant.
Car parks are nightmare places, I’ve had a few near misses, and driven slowly into a bollard 😩 .
They parents were probably in shock and
It does sound like there was no real harm done.

And that's why we've got insurance OP! They shouldn't have shouted at you i am sure they are now thinking that.
I drove into a car park space once taking half a car with me.
Just over the next year try and put a few extra pounds away as your insurance will go up however when I had mine i was pleasantly suprised by how little

You understandably are shocked-even if there had been nobody in a stationary car and you reversed into it, you’d get a shock. Don’t let this put you off. It was an accident. However, one of the safety practices at my husband’s place of work is that they must reverse into parking spaces. It makes sense, and I’ve adopted it myself whenever I’m parking in a car park now. If you adopt this habit, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle when leaving shop car parks in future. (And I know it makes it more awkward for putting groceries in the boot, but it is doable, and the fact that you aren’t worried about people (and especially children who are smaller) passing by as you are reversing out of a parking space more than makes up for any inconvenience.

Argh! Cross posted with umpteen previous posters re. reverse parking! I normally read the thread but this time only read the first post.

I agree with the advice to reverse into spaces so that you can drive out of them.

Also, if you are in a car park and you can see someone is reversing, it is sensible to stop and let them out. Presumably if the driver had done that you wouldn't have reversed into them.

Please don't let it put you off.