I can relate. 16 years ago an SUV ran a light and t-boned my compact car on the highway, coming at me from a diagonal intersection in my blind spot. Broke my back and neck in six places. Still have a permanently splintered C2.

For a couple of years I couldn't drive in traffic or bad weather without getting tunnel vision and panic attacks. I avoided highways, going miles out of the way to use other routes. I drove as little as possible and by the time I sold my 15 year old truck it had only 50,000 miles. Unusual for me because before that accident I'd enjoyed driving, long trips, and occasionally did interstate driving on business.

When I caught myself having road rage tantrums over minor stuff I went into therapy. My grandkids had been in the car with me when our car was t-boned and I had a lot of anger over that, so I was worse when passengers were with me. I finally got to where I wouldn't take anyone in the car with me. It was embarrassing for them to see me lose my temper over every tiny discourtesy by other drivers.

I was finally diagnosed with PTSD. Did everything the psychiatrist recommended, including meds and private therapy sessions for a few years. It helped. Was able to get off the psych meds about 10 years ago.

By the time I'd resumed bicycling a couple of years ago I was surprised by how comfortable I was riding in traffic when necessary, even though it had been 30 years since I'd last bicycle commuted while in my 20s. And I just shrug off the occasional bit of careless driving I encounter. I keep in mind the great majority of drivers who are very considerate and courteous.

So far, so good. I'm riding upright bikes to avoid neck strain. A recumbent might eventually be in my future, since I don't want to risk surgery on the neck and it probably won't get better with age.