Psychological help for victims of road accidents

The World Health Organization provides that by 2020 road accidents will become the leading cause of premature death. Experience shows that in about one-fourth of those involved in a road accident there occur all sorts of difficulties. They appear immediately after the event, and, persisting for at least a month after the accident, in part of these people they pass spontaneously. Sometimes, however, for many months or even years after the accident there may persist the symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic disorder, such as anxiety or avoidance of situations reminiscent of the traumatic event (driving a car, crossing the road, etc.), feeling of discomfort, recurrent unwanted memories or dreams of accident. All of these cause problems in relationships with relatives and inefficiency at work. The aim of the intervention offered is to prevent the development of accident disorders. At the same time help for victims of car accidents should be available regardless of whether we are dealing with perpetrators or victims of the incident. Experience of threat to health or one’s own life, danger or loss of a loved one in a road accident is one of the most traumatic experiences. The number of road accidents points to the fact that many of such people will need psychological help.