Getting Back in the Saddle After An Accident

How to recover mentally and emotionally

Laurie Ingstrup is back in the saddle on her Honda Valkyrie after having an accident where it took her time to emotionally and mentally recover.

From a psychological perspective this saying is potentially dangerous as it could create what clinicians call a self-fulfilling prophecy. A self-fulfilling prophecy is a mental process whereby an individual subconsciously creates an event due to the mind's belief in the inevitability of that event. In hypnotic theory there is a similar mental process called waking hypnosis. Waking hypnotic incidences occur to everyone on a regular basis. For example, if someone said to you, "What happened to your hair?" chances are pretty high you would quickly go to the nearest mirror to check. The reason is because you became hypnotized around the idea that something was different about your hair simply through the power of suggestion.

Waking hypnosis is especially strong when the person giving you the suggestion has some kind of prestige. So, if an experienced rider tells you that you are going to go down, you may be more hypnotized around the suggestion than if a non-rider tells you the same thing. The point is, be careful what you buy into. Don't think of accidents as a right of passage.

Further, that old biker quote fails to qualify what is meant by, "going down." Consequently, many people will jump to the most catastrophic imagery possible such as a fatal crash. Imagine the self-fulfilling prophecy and hypnotic impact that kind of thought could have.

The Truth
In reality, it is possible for a motorcyclist to never go down. Ask around. You'll be surprised how many motorcyclists have never actually been in an accident. Oh sure, they've had scary moments, war stories even. But quite a few have never been down in any kind of a serious way. It is also possible for a rider to go down once and never again. Psychologically it is important to keep a careful watch on your belief system. This is the psychological end of risk management on a motorcycle, just as taking a safety course and wearing proper riding gear is part of the behavioral aspect of risk management.

However, motorcycling does clearly carry risks. There are, after all, other activities we motorcyclists could engage in that would be much safer. And unfortunately, there are riders who have been in accidents. A problem not commonly discussed between motorcyclists is the psychological symptoms that can linger long after the physical wounds have healed. Interestingly, men are likely to turn to alcohol or another substance in an attempt to quell their symptoms. While women may do this too, symptoms are more likely to turn inward and become depression.

Recovery Problems
Often, the clinical diagnosis of someone who has had a life-threatening trauma is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sometimes, an individual may only have some features of PTSD but not enough to warrant the actual diagnosis. Whether or not an individual has full blown PTSD, common symptoms post-accident survivors will most likely go through can include a loss of self-esteem, nightmares, a numb feeling, avoidance of places, people or situations reminiscent of the accident, panic symptoms, depression, anxiety, fear of motorcycling and, a general questioning of one's ability to be effective in their decisions and abilities. If you have been in an accident it is best to consult with a mental health professional to determine if you have PTSD or just a few of its symptoms. Let's see how some of these symptoms affected women who have had motorcycle accidents, beginning with the loss of self-esteem.

Vicky Racine of Michigan had a scary accident while riding her motorcycle in August of 2000. She hit a deer. Vicky's husband was riding ahead of her. Vicky had been riding her own bike for three years at the time. As a result of the accident, she suffered a lot of bruising and a broken bone in her hand. After the accident, I asked her to gage her self-esteem on a scale from one to 10 (10 being the highest). "After the accident," a soft-spoken Vicky began, pausing to take a deep breath, "my self-esteem was about a four. I really questioned if I could have avoided the accident. I really doubted my ability then. Now I'm riding again and my self-esteem is about a seven."

Laurie Ingstrup of Illinois had her accident in May of 2000. The incident occurred in a construction zone covered with loose gravel. Laurie was riding her own motorcycle along with her husband and a friend. She incurred a broken collarbone and lots of bruising. Laurie spoke very definitively when remembering her self-esteem on a one to 10 scale. "After the accident I was about a one," she chuckled. "I didn't even feel like myself. I had no confidence in anything I did. I'm tall, 5 feet 9 inches, and at that time I went around feeling like I was 4 feet high. I sought therapy for my symptoms and now I'm riding again. My self-esteem is now about a 9.5.”

Self-esteem Problems
The loss of self-esteem is a serious issue. Left unchecked it will likely move into depression. Psychologically, self-esteem is directly related to an individual's feeling of competence and a sense of having a positive effect in the world. After an accident, it is common for people to loose that sense of personal effectiveness, not just in motorcycling, but with life in general.

Another common symptom after an accident is a feeling of numbness and a tendency to avoid anything connected with riding, especially motorcycles. Laurie recalls, "[My husband and I] have four motorcycles in the garage and after the accident they were nonexistent to me. It was like a black hole in the garage. I wouldn't even look at them. I didn't connect with riding at all."

Symptoms of panic, which include a pounding heart, shortness of breath and tremendous fearfulness are also typical for people who've had accidents. Vicky remembers, "After I started riding again I started looking for something to jump out at me. The first time I did see a deer I actually panicked. My heart went up in my throat and I started shaking."

Laurie Ingstrup battled low self-esteem initially after her accident.

Fear Levels
Most motorcyclists do experience some degree of fear while riding, at least some of the time. But after an accident the fear factor can become a true force with which to contend. Etta McQueary of California had a serious accident in January of 1999. She was on life support as a trauma patient and not expected to live. Etta was hit by a four-wheel vehicle on a twisty mountain curve. Etta now speaks publicly about her accident and her decision to ride again. At the time of her accident Etta had been riding her own bike on the street for about 10 months, though she had had years of experience riding off road in the desert. Etta says, "My fear is not completely gone but I ride anyway. After my accident my self-esteem was about a two. Now it's about an eight." When asked about what personality trait Etta believes contributes to her riding again, after a long thoughtful pause, she replied, "Perseverance...and a strong desire to overcome fear."

Etta McQueary is using her accident experience to inspire others through motivational speeches.

Strong Support and Character
Etta also surrounded herself with an adequate support system that helped her to make the decision to ride again. One friend in particular, was very supportive. "I felt safe with him after the accident because I knew I could ride at my own pace." Vicky also had support from her husband after her accident, "My husband didn't pressure me. He understood it was my decision."

Vicky, Laurie and Etta all exhibit the strength of character needed to overcome such trauma. Psychologically, the decision to ride again has been life affirming for these women. Note the high number for self-esteem each woman gave after riding again. Of course, it's also O.K. to choose not to ride anymore. Among other things, this decision should revolve around how much of the individual's identity is tied in with being a motorcyclist. If riding is not that important to the person, it's not unreasonable to give up riding altogether.

Psychologically, though, something, like riding, may be a part of an individual's identity if it involves some or all of these qualities: that something plays a role in the individual's social life, married or romantic life, it gives that person a sense of feeling unique or special, it is a coping skill in that it causes pleasure, relaxation or a sense of freedom and, the individual invests time thinking and planning activities around this special something.

Learning from the Past
They say that hindsight is 20-20. So, when asked to think about the day of the accident and what, if anything, these women could have done differently, Vicky replied, "I guess I could have been more aware, instead of just staring at my husbands back. I always ride behind him. Now I'm always very aware of my surroundings."

Laurie responded, "Since then I've learned to ride my own ride. I feel I'm a better rider now because of this." Etta reasoned that, "On the day of my accident I had just a light breakfast. I know now that my blood sugar was very low. I'm self-sufficient now. Before my accident I used to just carry a little purse with me. Now I have saddlebags and I carry food, water and clothes so I can dress according to the weather changes." All three women agreed that safety equipment, such as leathers and a helmet, is extremely important to them now.

Needless to say, it was not easy for Vicky, Laurie or Etta to return to riding. Each concurred that taking it slow and not being pressured by others is the best way to proceed. Additionally, having a support person is most helpful. Psychologically, this is sound advice. Gradual exposure is the best way to begin to ride again. If you have been in an accident and want to ride again your "cycle-therapy" prescription is to start by simply reading about motorcycles and looking at pictures. Then move to just sitting on a bike. Set up small goals for yourself and do not proceed to the next until you are comfortable with the last.

Resources
Brenda Bates has recently published a book called "Back in the Saddle Again: How to Overcome Fear of Riding after a Motorcycle Accident." You can order the book and learn more about Brenda and her work at BikePsych.com.

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Reader Comments

Thanks for the great article. Let me start by saying, that, thankfully, I haven't crashed. I am still recovering from watching my loved one crash right in front of me, some 10 weeks ago, thankfully, with only a fractured pelvis and a couple of bad sprains but alive. I still am struggling with "flashes" of the accident. It's always surprising to me when it just pops into my consciousness. I made the point of riding just three days after the accident (in between my nursing/doctor duties for my partner). I figured if I plan to ride for the rest of my life, because I love it so much I better get my ass back in the saddle! I'm glad I did that. I still struggle a bit when I ride passed the accident site and what I've realized, it's not the accident itself, it's the "What ifs" that are paralyzing. Any suggestions? Shelley Turner Collingwood, ON, Canada Sunday, July 25, 2010 After watching the movie “The Bucket List,” I decided to work on my own list. Learning to ride a motorcycle was definitely on my list. My inspiration was my husband who decided to get back into riding after 19 years. I lasted about three months as a passenger when I said I need to learn and cross this one off my bucket list. I started with a 250 Honda Rebel and then graduated to a 250 Ninja in about a year's time. Learning to ride in my neck of the woods was not an easy task. There are no leveled streets – all are hills, upward and downward. The stop signs were the hardest for me. Always seemed to topple over on the hills, especially those with gravel underneath my wheels. My husband was usually a ball of nerves but always had words of encouragement. Finally, I got a 1200 HD Low Sportster, what a beauty! My husband rode it home as I followed in my car. I just looked through the mirror, partly excited and part nervous. At 5 feet, what were we thinking? Though my feet go flat on the ground, the weight of the bike took some getting used to. We’ve made several trips up and down the Bear Mountain in New York. One day, while coming down a steep windy road, I pressed the front brake while on the curve. Needles to say, I took quite a spill, down and across the road in front of oncoming traffic. Lucky for me, I was geared up and well protected. I held onto the handlebars as I slid across the road and somehow managed to hit the kill switch. I also managed to keep my head tucked in and off the pavement. I held on to the bike and put new meaning to the phrase, “Ride to slide.” My arms and both knees and legs were heavily bruised and scratched. My husband, who was following just behind me, was quickly by my side. My first instinct was to get out off the road. By the time a state trooper approached me, I was already standing and off the road. The trooper kept asking me if I was OK. He seemed shocked that I was actually standing. I was afraid to take off my jacket or to look at any of the bruises. I was standing, and I was thankful that my Lil Angels were watching over me. I knew what I did wrong. I knew I was going down the curve too fast and that I should not have pressed the front brakes. It was quite a lesson to learn. My husband straightened out the bike and made sure it was functioning, but his main concern was me not the bike. Thankfully, the crash bars and saddlebags got the brunt of the scratches. My husband looked at me and said, “I watched you slide and thought I lost you forever.” I said, “Not yet buddy – let’s go home.” So, I got back on my bike and rode home. I did not want to think of the pain I was in. I knew there were no broken bones – I just wanted to get home and clean up. I’m still riding, but before going on the road, I went back to the parking lot to hone on some skills. I refuse to quit riding but know how important it is to practice, practice, and practice. With my husband’s support, I know that I will someday, “Ride like a Pro.” So never give up on your dreams but always know that you are more valuable than any bike and never let anyone tell you otherwise. Magi Plunkett Bear Mountain, NY Wednesday, July 07, 2010 Editor Response Thanks for sharing your story and mentioning "Ride Like A Pro." For those not familiar, it is a very informative instructional DVD that teaches a lot of things you won't learn in the MSF class. I highly recommend it. You can order it on this Web site at RideLikeAPro.com. Genevieve Schmitt I just met you today at Brandon HD garage party. You told me about this article and it was talking to me. I hate discussing the accident but as I told a new rider today, listen to your little voices. I wish I had turned right instead of trying to cross a very bad highway. This article and other comments are inspiring. Tomorrow I am taking Charlotte out for a ride. I named my Road King after my little granddaughter. She loves to say again, again and again with gleeful joy. I am going to get back on again, again and again! Thank you for today. Diane Wallington New Port Richey, FL Saturday, May 08, 2010 I am a new rider. I also took the MSF course. I struggled through it but I passed. I have my license and I have practiced in parking lots and I have now ridden on the streets about eight times. I put on about 500 miles.I did long rides. I live in a rural area and did canyons and some town with a lot of traffic. I was surprised I was not nervous much. I also conquered by big hill of a drive way and I was riding with more confidence then ever! I was getting there where I wanted to be and knew I needed a lot of seat time for experience. I am 55 years old and I want to live but I want to ride! This has been a dream of mine since I was a teen. I have always loved motorcycles. I have rode on the back but never my own. Well last week all my confidence went down the drain! My bpyfrioend put drag bars on my 883 Sporty. He went out to test it and he told me the throttle stuck a couple of times but he said try it! Hit the kill switch if it sticks. Something told me not to do it, but honestly,my boyfriend's personality is so domineering. I didn't want to let him down. He had been the one to build my confidence up by working with me. Against my better judgement, I rode. I was really pleased the drag bars handled well. I rode through the neighborhood well and as I was coming back to the house I put it in second to slow to turn the corner and made the mistake of putting a little throttle on and it stuck! He yelled at me at the top of his lungs to slow down, "What the F--k are you doing?!" I came to the culdesac and I braked to slow it for my turn and let go of the brakes and the throttle took it around at about 30 and I crashed on my third try trying to get around it. I hurt my shoulder, bruised my ribs on the top left and rash on my hands. I was lucky. I did not have any gear on because I was just riding around a couple of blocks. This I know was a bad bad choice. Gear and throttle sticking and me being so new. All confidence is now down the drain that I had built up. My boyfriend screamed at me, berated me all day.Told me you never drop your bike NEVER! You have no respect for that bike.Your instincts! Where were your instincts! You brake hit the kill switch put your f--kin-g feet down! You can be taught but you can't be taught instincts. You might as well sell that Harley. I'm worried about you now. You are going to die!" I broke the gear shift; I broke my mirror; back single lights. He just brow beat me all day. He is fixing my bike but he now wants me to ride the freeway to a run. I am scared and afraid to admit it. I am more afraid because he said I have no natural instinct and that new or not, people do not drop their bikes. What scares me is, he said it doesn't matter if your new,your instincts should of kicked in and they didnt! Your going to die. Please what do you think of this? How should I approch this situation. I want to ride bad, but maybe I am not meant to? Pam Bonilla Lake Hughes, CA Tuesday, April 06, 2010 Editor Response You REALLY want my advice Pam? I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, get rid of the boyfriend, not the bike. He has no idea what he's talking about. You are the priority in a crash, not the bike. You need to protect yourself, not the bike. Your instinct is to protect yourself. You did the right thing. Enough said. The problem was in a faulty bike, not a faulty rider. You are doing everything you should be doing, except you have a boyfriend who wants to build a bike for himself to stroke his ego, not a safe bike for his girlfriend. Get rid of the boyfriend who only berates you, does not lift you up. Life is short. Why be with a jerk? I can't stand men who berate and belittle women. Get smart and dump him and start living your dream on YOUR terms. Genevieve Schmitt, Editor Page 1 of 10 (40 items) [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Loading…

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