You Picked the Car You Drive, but Did Your Trauma Choose It First?

What drew you to your current car?

The other day, my therapist brain had a random thought: how must trauma show up in the cars we drive daily. Excluding factors like budget, gas mileage, or the need to carry people and supplies, how are ways trauma can shape what feels “right” or “safe” behind the wheel. For individuals who have experienced car accidents, road rage, or post-traumatic stress behind the wheel; selecting a vehicle can sometimes be less about convenience and more about emotional safety.

What This Might Look Like:

Taking a moment to reflect on this type of trauma, let’s think of how this can who up in real-life examples:

·      If you are someone who was involved a rollover collision, you may avoid SUVs.

·      A person with PTSD from a high-speed collision might prefer smaller cars or ones that feel slower, more grounded.

·      Someone may opt for darker-colored cars because they feel less visible, less “seen.”

My Trauma Response, My Car:

Reflecting on my personal trauma, which included car accidents and having been in a relationship with a road-rager, I started to notice how these experiences shaped my vehicle preferences.

Because I drive a smaller car, I added a louder exhaust and a stronger horn to help alert other drivers who might otherwise overlook me or merge into my lane. My car is blue, which I think is a color that stands out. I’ve noticed more of them on the road in recent years, but back when I chose it, it felt unique. The importance of having a car that speeds up quickly in essential to my safety!

For a while, I thought my desire to drive something different was rooted in ego or a need for attention. And in a way, it was. I did want to be acknowledged. I wanted to be seen, but more importantly, not ignored on the road.

Reflection:

If you’ve ever felt oddly attached to or repelled by a certain type of car, it might be worth asking yourself: What feels safe about this car? What doesn’t feel right about the ride? And when did I first start feeling that way?

Final, Personal Thought

Stay curious. Stay open to growth, especially when new perspectives challenge you.Self-reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have, especially when it comes to healing. Sometimes our choices, like the car we drive, can be a mirror for what we’re still carrying with us.