For some people, getting in their vehicle, starting the engine, and putting their hands on the steering wheel is as scary as jumping off a cliff or riding a roller coaster.
The fear of driving is definitely a real thing and it’s considered a legitimate phobia, which we’ll be discussing in a bit.
There’s a logical explanation as to why a person may have it, and this article will help you understand the science behind the fear of driving.
Vehophobia and Amaxophobia Explained
Vehophobia and amaxophobia are two phobias associated with driving or riding inside a motor vehicle. Here’s an overview of each one.
Vehophobia: The Irrational Fear of Driving
Studies show that about 1.35 million people are killed in traffic accidents each year.
With those numbers, some people are bound to develop an irrational and intense fear of driving better known as vehophobia.
Vehophobia often manifests in stress responses that can affect a person’s physical condition. If a person with vehophobia attempts to drive, he or she can experience panic attacks or quick, shallow breathing.
Other stress responses also include increased heart rate, tense muscles, chest pain, trembling, and nausea.
Amaxophobia: Being a Driver or Passenger Is Risky Enough
A person with amaxophobia doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is afraid of being in a car. It’s the thought of getting killed or injured in a motorized vehicle based on statistics.
A person with amaxophobia might be okay with driving but can’t handle the idea of someone else getting behind the wheel.
A person with amaxophobia can also experience the following symptoms:
- Chills
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Trembling
- Dyspepsia
- Heart palpitations
What Makes Driving So Scary?
Several conditions can trigger a person’s fear of driving, but the thought that something negative will happen is arguably the root cause of driving phobias.
An experience of getting into a car accident can prevent a person from getting behind the wheel or riding with somebody they don’t trust completely.
The idea of getting lost and having to deal with heavy traffic are also some thoughts that can trigger a person’s fear of driving.
For some people, driving in bad weather, over bridges, inside tunnels, and on highways can trigger their anxiety.
Lastly, a person who isn’t confident in their driving skills can experience some struggles in driving down the freeway or even around the block.
There’s a thought of losing control of the vehicle while behind the wheel, and having someone else take over will probably make them feel better.
Is a Fear of Driving Normal?
The fear of driving is common enough, given that there are certainly some risks involved when you’re out on the road.
As careful as you are behind the wheel, you can’t control the actions of other drivers, so risks should always be taken into consideration.
However, the fear of driving can be too much if a healthy level of concern turns a person too fearful to the point that it negatively affects their lifestyle.
How to Overcome the Fear of Driving
Here are some of the techniques that have helped people overcome their fear of driving.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is one of the most common ways to help a person overcome a driving phobia.
This type of treatment helps a person feel more comfortable behind the wheel and pushes the thought of losing control at the back of his mind.
In exposure therapy, a person is gradually exposed to a situation (in this case it’s driving or being a passenger) until they realize that they’re capable of confronting their fear.
This type of therapy also helps the person realize that the fear is irrational.
In a 2018 study on driving phobias, it was revealed that virtual reality can help people overcome their fear of driving, reducing anxiety in the process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another way to cope with driving and eliminate fear.
In CBT, a person learns to identify negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to their anxiety.
This type of therapy also helps the person focus more on the “now” instead of past and future experiences.
By developing positive thought processes and new coping strategies, a person can eliminate stress, panic, and negative thinking associated with the thought of driving or being a passenger.
Driving Lessons
In some cases, the fear of driving comes from the idea that a person isn’t good enough to take control of the steering wheel.
It’s important to remember that everybody starts as a beginner, and the only way you can gain confidence is by practicing.
If your fear of driving comes from low self-confidence, a couple of driving lessons might help.
Aside from learning essential driving techniques and the rules of the road, you’ll also get some positive reinforcement from your mentor for that much-needed confidence boost.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditation can help a person in many ways, including driving.
A nervous driver can practice these relaxation techniques before going out for a calm and collected driving experience.
It also helps to visualize that something positive will happen while driving or that the journey will be smooth.
Are You Really Afraid to Drive?
For some people, the thought of driving is enough to make their heart rate go up, but not to the point where they’ll actually leave the vehicle out of panic.
But for others, they’ll need a lot more than driving lessons and deep breathing exercises.
The fear of driving is a real thing, and if you think you have it, it won’t hurt to see a professional for some expert advice on how to cope with it.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a driving phobia, you might need to undergo behavioral treatment to manage your fear.
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