Vehophobia: Fear of Driving

It’s estimated that 1.35m people are killed in traffic accidents every year. That’s nearly 3,700 every day. It may not be one of the most common phobias, but with stats like that, it’s no wonder that many people have vehophobia, an irrational and intense fear of driving.

Here, we’ll discuss what vehophobia is and looks like, as well as compare it to similar phobias. Additionally, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for vehophobia will all be covered. Read on to learn more about the fear of driving or vehophobia.

Just like any severe phobia, vehophobia can cause debilitating physical symptoms that impact how you function in your daily life. Whenever someone with this condition attempts to drive, they experience an immediate stress responses that can include symptoms like:

• Panic attacks while driving
• Quick, shallow breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Tense muscles
• Chest pain
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Nausea

There are several causes of phobias in general, and when it comes to vehophobia, some are more common than others.

Other causes for vehophobia can include:

• Witnessing a serious car accident or seeing a bad accident on the news or social media
• Growing up with parents who were always anxious in the car
• Driving in dangerous conditions, such as intense rain, snow, or wind
• Seeing a big animal run in front of the car

Someone with vehophobia might be triggered by any of the situations above. They also might experience anxiety symptoms when they are:

• Around aggressive drivers
• In a lot of traffic
• Driving alone
• Afraid of being trapped
• Fearful of going too fast
• Scared about losing control
• Afraid of dying or of fatalities

Vehophobia can strike even when everything outside of the vehicle is calm and normal.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there are several criteria necessary for diagnosing a specific phobia like vehophobia, including:

• Experiencing significant and immediate anxiety when a situation is encountered
• Feeling intense, irrational fear that’s out of proportion with the actual risk involved
• Having these symptoms for at least six consecutive months

The nuances between vehophobia, amaxophobia, hodophobia, agoraphobia, and other types of specific phobias can be difficult to differentiate. There are many similarities and overlapping symptoms that can be challenging to pinpoint. A doctor or licensed psychologist can help determine the specific phobia you have by evaluating your symptoms and psychiatric, medical, and social history