The Psychosocial Consequences of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Abstract

Motor vehicle accidents are extremely common in Australia and generate large social costs. The survivors of these accidents frequently sustain significant permanent disabilities that require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and community care. However, the psychosocial consequences of motor vehicle accidents are usually overlooked. For many survivors of motor vehicle accidents, the trauma and psychological or emotional difficulties they experience can be devastating. Socially and vocationally, the losses associated with motor vehicle accidents can be extensive, particularly if a permanent disability has been sustained. Despite the size and potential cost of the problems associated with motor vehicle accidents, this area has been adequately studied as a source of loss and grief. Given that psychosocial problems can hinder the rehabilitation process, workers must be aware of the adjustment problems that are likely to arise from this type of loss. Accordingly, the aim of the current article is to review the available literature concerning the psychosocial consequences of motor vehicle accidents. It is suggested that motor vehicle accidents warrant specific research attention to determine which factors might assist this population to adjust to their losses and to ensure that efficacious and cost-efficient rehabilitation interventions can be developed.