I keep having the same dream over & over again. In the dream I’m in the car driving, but the car seat is leaned real back, so I can’t see over the window. Plus I was in a bad car wreck, and that’s when the dreams started. So I’m sorta afraid to. But why is the car seat always laid back?

- Sarah, Age 14, Beaumont, Texas, USA

Hi Sarah -

Sometimes after a frightening or near-death experience, it takes a while for us to fully absorb and get over the trauma that we felt. In your case, your brain and emotions are still working through the shock from the car wreck. The dreams started right after the accident, and in each one you are leaning back so far that you can’t see over the dashboard or window.

I think your dream is representing your lingering fear of cars and of driving in a pretty clever fashion. The fact that you are leaning back suggests that you hesitant to “get behind the wheel” again. The reason why you can’t see out the window is because - as you yourself write - you are “sorta afraid to.” I think you’re afraid that if you looked out the window - you might see another accident.

Your dream is a natural reaction to a dangerous car accident. In a few months you won’t have this dream anymore - but I hope you always remember to buckle up and drive really safe. One accident’s enough, isn’t it?