There are many things that can contribute to a car accident but new research indicates that post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is what makes returning veterans more likely to be involved in a car accident. One university professor is conducting a national study into the problems that individuals with brain injuries have while driving. The professor says that the rate of car accidents for returning veterans is alarming and that the problem is widespread.

"I can't talk with somebody who is a returned service member without them telling me about driving issues," the professor said.

A recent study into the driving habits of service members found that those who came back from their tours of service exhibited more dangerous driving behavior than those who had not deployed yet. A quarter of veterans reported driving through stop signs upon returning and a third admitted to driving dangerously upon returning home.

There are also some indications that the anxiety that veterans feel upon returning can translate into poor reactions to common traffic situations. "In an ambiguous situation, they are more likely to see hostile intent," said one psychologist who works for the Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

One veteran said that she experienced difficulties driving safely upon returning home from tour. Her time in Iraq made her hyper vigilant while driving and always on the lookout for threats. This stressful state of driving made her participate in a clinic trial in which researchers will look into the physical changes she experiences behind the wheel.

"My whole driving behavior changed," she said. "I live in a state of anxiety when I'm driving."

Source: New York Times, "Back From War, Fear and Danger Fill Driver's Seat," James Dao, Jan. 10, 2012