arani_csa

I appreciate the answers to my previous question, and am well aware that this will require medical intervention. One complication is that I have to make a 7-hour drive in 3 days. There's no one else who can drive me, and it can't be delayed. Any short-term tips to help me get through this?

I have a real fear of driving while wearing a seat belt. I'm talking about having a full-blown panic attack at times when I wear one. (Yes, I realize this is irrational, but that's part of the definition of a phobia.) I'm well aware of the laws requiring seat belt usage, and have in fact been stopped twice for not obeying them. And the only reason I'm seeking help is because further offences will seriously affect my car insurance.

I will say that I was involved in a car accident several years ago, in which I was thrown from the car. It was one of those rare instances where NOT wearing my seat belt saved my life; the car landed on its roof which was smashed down such that any person remaining in the car would have been smashed as well. Ever since then, I have had a real problem with wearing my belt. I've tried to rationalize with myself, and convince myself that it's safe and something I just need to do. But no luck.

Suggestions? Serious answers only, please.