Deployment Related PTSD Could Affect Weston, Florida Drivers

A recent article published in the New York Times entitled “Back From War, Fear And Danger Fill Driver’s Seat” has brought to our attention another sad aspect of how the affects of deployment can have a profound impact upon; not only soldiers and their families but upon each of our everyday lives and upon us on our highways and street ways — even in Weston, Florida. The article relates to a story of how a reservist was avoiding a cramped parking lot without obvious escape routes; straddling the middle line as if bombs might be buried in the curbs; and how her own SUV reminded her of the unarmored vehicle she rode in Baghdad during a record year of American fatalities in Iraq. Apparently, there is an increasing number of incidents of erratic driving by returning soldiers which is being identified as a symptom of P.T.S.D. (which stands for post traumatic stress disorder). The article claims there is reason for concern over a higher accident rate among veterans.

Recently in a review of the driving records for thousands of soldiers studying before and after they returned from deployment by USAA, an insurance carrier (who exclusively writes policies for veterans or their family members), has noticed a 13% increase in auto accidents after a soldier’s return from deployment. In fact, the article reports that U.S. Army statistics show that 48 soldiers died in car accidents last year; the highest total in three years. Studies conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs have been focusing on the potential between dangerously aggressive or overly defensive driving and deployment. Unfortunately, there is no accepted treatment for driving related PTSD and related driving problems-“it’s a new phenomenon”.

For further information regarding this and similar topics please feel free to consult with the Schulman Lay Group, a personal injury law firm located in Weston, Florida that is committed to representing personal injury victims including victims of Weston, car and all serious accident cases. Please visit our website at www.schulaw.com, for a free consultation. Please call us at 877-LAW-0444 or email us at info@www.schulaw.com