For one Army reservist, the maroon Mustang that was so much fun to drive around town became a fearful necessity after a combat tour in Iraq. Suddenly, the soldier found herself straddling the middle of roads to avoid roadside bombs and avoiding congested areas without well-defined escape routes.

Traumatic brain injury experts note that the soldier's experiences are not unique. Thousands of veterans returning from service in the Middle East, including Ohio service members, are experiencing similar post-traumatic issues. These struggles while driving are being diagnosed as a symptom of a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The result is higher accident rates among veteran drivers, so much so that insurance companies are adjusting their rates as a result. A review of veteran driving records found that the number of at-fault accidents caused by veterans increased by 13 percent after they returned from their deployments. Accident rates were highest in the first six months after returning from overseas service.

Consequently, increased research and safety measures are being taken to combat the increased accident rates. The Army reports that accident rates have declined recently as increased educational efforts have prepared soldiers for difficulties they might face when returning home.

Army records indicate, though, that the number of soldier deaths caused by off-duty vehicle accidents was the highest it has been in the past three years.

Many doctors and therapists are now working with soldiers to help manage their anxiety and make it possible to operate a motor vehicle without the risks created from nervousness or unsafe driving tendencies.

Source: New York Times, "Back from war, fear and danger fill driver's seat" James Dao, Jan. 10, 2012