I’d like to preface this post with the fact that I am not fishing for sympathy, rather looking for advice from people who may have unfortunately found themselves in a similar situation to myself.
For context: I am a young man who’s always loved MX5’s and was lucky enough to come into possession of a 2021 Black RF around a month ago. This car is/was my prized possession.
The crash: A few days ago, I was driving home from the supermarket with my girlfriend in the passenger seat and unfortunately came across a reckless driver who sped around a B-road corner, lost control of his car and veered into the side of us, pushing us into a telephone pole, where we rolled onto our side momentarily before returning to flat. The driver previously overtook 2 other cars prior to the bend. The police informed me that the driver is likely to be charged with careless driving. The damage can be seen in the attached picture - car is a write-off
Advice: I’m looking for advice from other drivers who may have experienced a crash which was entirely the other drivers fault. I know the car did well and served its purpose, protecting me and my girlfriend. However, I cannot shake the fear of stepping into an MX5 again, which I have such a passion for.
How did others cope with a traumatic event like this? And how can I disassociate this event from a car that used to bring such joy?
I feel for you, it’s a horrible thing to go through. But, you’re both safe, and that’s what matters.
Why would your fear be about stepping into another MX5 as opposed to just getting into any car? There are idiots on the road no matter what car you drive.
Get another MX5 and enjoy it for what it is. You’ll be more aware of what’s going on around you (because your nerves will be on edge) and over time you’ll get used to driving again.
Sorry to hear about this. As you know, no matter how careful you are on the roads, you can never fully anticipate the actions of others.
A few suggestions:
Try to see this as a vindication of how safe your (and most modern) car was, even in such a horrible event.
Time. You say this happened a few days ago; give it a few weeks and hopefully you’ll be able to see things a bit more dispassionately.
And it might be worth considering having a few lessons with a good driving instructor, who can help you build your confidence up again. Perhaps even consider doing the IAM or RoSPA test.
I had a very similar accident nearly 50 years ago when a clot in a Marina went straight on at a bend (his tyres were completely bald) hit my Hunter GLS in the offside door post and wrote off my car. I was knocked out briefly but only had minor injuries.
It certainly shook me up, and whilst I don’t think any amount of skill on my part could have changed the outcome I’m sure it made me a more defensive driver.
I did some training with the IAM which got me into safer habits and improved my concentration if I’m honest.
‘Roadcraft’ is a good reference that I still look at from time to time.
I’m not suggesting any of that would have changed what happened to either of us but improving skills can build confidence as well as competence.
Sorry to hear about this. My wife’s car ended up being written off about 3 years ago with me driving and her in the passenger seat. This happened on a single track road in the middle of nowhere when a Ford Ranger came out of an angled side road right into the passenger side, probably at about 30mph. Side window shattered, air bags off, broken front suspension, etc. Not as bad as your MX5 but pretty scary. I had a couple of small cuts from flying glass and my wife’s arm and neck were a bit sore for a few days but nothing further. Though it affected my wife more, she did get confidence from the fact that the inside of her car was undamaged. Luckily, I still had the MX5s so I made a point of getting us out for a drive the day after. My wife was back driving in the courtesy car a few days later. The way we looked at it was that it could have been much worse and we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and we didn’t get into any ‘what if’ scenarios. Like you, there wasn’t much we could have done differently so it really shouldn’t bring your own confidence into question. The only long term affect it has had on me is that I’m much more wary about side roads, especially where visibility of any traffic on the side road is bad but maybe that is a plus point. Best wishes for future MX5 ownership.
Really sorry to hear about your accident. I am 18 months further on from my accident and, whilst the confidence returned after a while, I am still very defensive with my driving. I think that I drive now with a constant higher level of awareness and presumably that will never go away. I am so grateful that my van protected me as well as it did. Thank goodness that they don’t build cars like they used to. All the best with your journey.
[quote=“Toby.Bright, post:1, topic:149647”]
The police informed me that the driver is likely to be charged with careless driving.
CARELESS DRIVING! Careless driving is reversing into the trolley park at Sainsburys. Why not reckless or dangerous driving?
As others have said, the car performed brilliantly as far as safety is concerned, but i totally get where you are at this moment having been Tboned in London a few years ago. For a while after, my head was like a nodding dog (who remembers those?) at every junction. It does make you super sensitive to things, but it passes. Just remember, you were not at fault.
As others have also said, IAM or RoSPA can help a lot because they teach things like forward thinking five or six cars ahead instead of just one or two. Learning to anticipate further ahead obviously builds confidence. The advice given to bikers is, assume every other driver is trying to kill you, that bit of advice has served me well over the years.
It would be a real shame to give up on a brilliant car just because of one moron…and why should you?
Firstly do not underestimate how much this accident will affect both you and your girlfriend. The main thing is that you are both safe.
Secondly you need to accept that these thing can and will happen. Again, you are both safe.
Thirdly. Try not to link what happened with the fact that it happened in a car you loved. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact the you were driving an MX5. Remember the car saved you both from serious injury or worse.
Give it time and when you’re ready get yourself another one and start again. Don’t let some idiot spoil your fun. Best of luck to you both.
Forget about the other guy - he’s now the police’s problem ,not yours. The insurance company will handle your claim . You’re young , unhurt and mustn’t allow this thing to have a disproportionate effect . To use a horse riding analogy ,after a fall the best thing you can is get back in the saddle as your confidence willonly build up again if you do. I’ve had a couple of big shunts , one of which wasn’t my fault,and I’ve fallen off horses too, Don’t overthink it , juststart driving again asap.
Thank you so much everyone for your reassuring comments and helpful suggestions. There is a lot to consider and I think many of you are right to suggest that it is still fresh and I shouldn’t decide against the car yet.
As mentioned, the car did save me and so I know it was no fault of the MX-5. I think it’s nice to hear other owners agreeing and reaffirming that statement.
Again, thanks everyone for the support and for sharing your experiences, I really appreciate it.
A total nightmare. It’s 100% natural to feel as you do.
First the obvious: You and your g’friend walked away from that si*t show (presumably) with no physical injuries. Looking at the photo, the odds of that scenario look small.
As other posters have alluded to, unfortunately we can’t control muppets like this on the road, or (what would be better) not allowing them to have car keys in the first place.
Second: I can only guess how distraught you must be feeling with your prize possession ended up this way. Many may say ‘it’s just a car’, but I’ve got a feeling reading your account, that it’s more than that. I’d be totally livid.
Third: You are bound to feel apprehensive about going back on the road again, with not just reckless idiots, but other fools like phone ‘drivers’ and ‘drivers’ who are just basically naff. But just take it easy, like John_Ashton said above^, get back on the horse, and in no time at all your apprehension will ease and you’ll put the ‘accident’ behind you. Just take it at your pace. Like all traumas in life, we’re human, and it takes time for the mind to process and heal. But don’t let the actions of a fool continue to dictate your future car ambitions. If you fancy another MX-5 again, which you clearly have a love for, go for it. No way should a muppet decide your car choices for you. And moreover, the same scenario most likely would have occurred whatever car you were in.
Good luck. You’ll be fine
I recall an incident at the Ulster Flying Club, many years ago. A club aircraft turned over on landing and ended up on its back on the grass strip. Everyone dashed out to help, and within moments an Army helicopter set down close by and the crew got the pilot out.
Within 20 minutes, he was back in the air in another club aircraft, with an instructor, but flying the ‘plane. I fully understand how you feel, but it’s helpful to “get back in the saddle” and with time, you’ll feel better.
My wife picked me up after I wrote off a “5”. She threw me the keys of her car saying, “you’re driving, and we’re going to A&E to get you checked out”. Good to get back in the saddle.
While driving a Volvo, a drunk driver managed to hit five cars while overtaking, but my Volvo was the car that finally stopped him. Forty years later, I can still see the car coming towards us, then hearing the sickening crunch of metal! Time will make things better, but perhaps you may be suffering from PTSD. Suggest you do not buy another MX5 and get a cheap large hatchback until your confidence comes back.
Firstly - sorry that you have experienced this. I haven’t been in the same situation but I do know how a relatively minor crash can play havoc with confidence.
I would suggest looking into something like EMDR therapy. It’s very effective at treating PTSD symptoms, which could well be what you have after such a shock. Other types of therapy might help you too - but I wouldn’t just ‘ignore it and get back in the saddle’ as that may bury symptoms that come and bite you on the bum later. Rationally you know that the MX-5 stood up well, as both of you were able to walk away relatively unscathed - but your subconscious is an entirely different matter.
Whatever you choose, do what feels right for you - if it means a break from an MX5 while you recover, so be it - they will still be there for you in the future.
Some good advice on this thread. I would also backup John_Ashton‘s advice to ‘get back in the saddle’ asap.
I had a big shunt in 1985 which shook me up. So much, that I wouldn’t get in the front of a car for a while. Once I started driving again though, I soon got my confidence back and haven’t had an incident since. Blimey, that was 40 years ago!
The only other thing I would add is not to stay angry. It will have zero effect on the idiot who could have severely injured or killed you both, and who certainly deserves the strongest censure and your undiminished hatred, but the only person who suffers if you seethe is you.
I think that’s a very good point John. Hard to see it at this moment as it’s so fresh. But you’re right, it’s not worth my time. Thanks also for your prior advice on IAM training - I’m definitely now considering it after the number of recommendations.
The IAM and the RoSPA advanced driving schemes are broadly similar (I’m a tutor with one of the RoSPA groups). The decision as to which of the two you go for often depends on which offers you a group nearby. So here’s a list of RoSPA advanced driving groups, with contact info: Groups Information 25.06.25 by RoSPA - Flipsnack
