Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in several car accidents with different drivers. I still vividly remember that surreal sensation of time slowing down, followed by a bone-jarring impact. Although I was only injured once and behind the wheel in just one of those accidents, the terror of experiencing another crash and that impending feeling of doom lingers with me. This overwhelming fear is known as vehophobia, a genuine fear of driving. Surprisingly, it’s one of the ten most prevalent phobias. While some people are afraid of heights or confined spaces (I can relate to that), I have an intense aversion to driving.
When I’m a passenger, my anxiety often leads me to unintentionally micromanage the driver. I fight against it, but the prospect of another accident looms large in my mind. My fear can become paralyzing, causing me to avoid long drives altogether, but I still muster the courage to drive when absolutely necessary.
The thought of speeding down the highway at 70 mph, mere feet away from a semi-truck, fills me with dread. I tend to limit my travels to avoid anxiety-inducing triggers, especially when my kids are in the car. During high-stress situations, like merging onto the freeway or navigating heavy traffic, my anxiety skyrockets. Sometimes my palms grow so sweaty that I struggle to grip the steering wheel. When stopped in the middle lane with no escape route, my mind spirals into a barrage of “what ifs,” no matter how irrational they may seem.
Only those who truly worry, like me, experience anxiety about their anxiety while driving. I often find myself consumed by thoughts like, “What if I faint and lose control of the car?” This kind of mental spiral can dampen even the simplest of trips.
As certified hypnotherapist Mark Johnson explains, these feelings are not uncommon among individuals with vehophobia. “Those with a driving phobia often fear being stuck in traffic and unable to escape if a panic attack strikes,” he noted in a 2012 study. “They also worry about passing out, losing control, or getting into an accident. For many, driving near large trucks or merging onto busy highways can be particularly nerve-wracking.”
For some, like me, vehophobia manifests as a hesitation when getting behind the wheel, yet there remains a willingness to drive. Others may avoid driving altogether, preventing them from obtaining a driver’s license and disrupting everyday activities. The good news? Vehophobia is treatable through behavioral therapy, medication, hypnosis, and detailed pre-drive planning. “It’s essential for individuals whose fear of driving affects their daily life to confront these fears through exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy,” advises psychotherapist Sarah Lawson.
The longer we allow fear and anxiety to root themselves, the more our brains adapt to these feelings, making them seem like a normal part of life. Vehophobia is real and can be incredibly distressing. There’s no sense of enjoyment for me while driving, except perhaps on quiet country roads or familiar routes in my hometown. I don’t consider myself a bad driver, but my fears often feel irrational. The real source of my anxiety comes from other drivers on the road.
It’s those aggressive drivers who tailgate my SUV when I’m already adhering to the speed limit. It’s the large trucks that swerve dangerously close without proper safety features. And, it’s the thought of my precious children in the backseat, just inches away from potential disaster.
This is a vehophobic’s personal nightmare on the road—it’s far more than just a little anxiety.