I couldn't help but notice that you mentioned the car accident as if it probably doesn't have anything to do with your driving anxiety. That would be enough to make many of us afraid to get behind the wheel!

Of course, plenty of people are already afraid of driving to one degree or another, even without getting into an accident. And it's no wonder; driving is a pretty scary thing. You could even argue that a little fear is good--that it helps you drive more safely.

What you're going through sounds intense enough to require some kind of active solution, however. For starters, you might want to try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization. Also, do you know anyone who is comfortable about driving and wouldn't mind talking to you about what that's like? Another idea is to explore your driving feelings and memories with a trained therapist.

There are all kinds of therapy out there, so you may want to do some research. Virtual reality exposure therapy, for example, simulates the experience of being in a car.

Also, here are some resources about anxiety--including panic disorders, which can sometimes appear without a direct cause.