Amaxophobia
The fear of driving or being a passenger in a vehicle
Amaxophobia (Fear of Driving) Amaxophobia (also called hamaxophobia) makes you feel anxious or fearful when you drive or ride in a vehicle, such as a car, bus or plane. With it, you have a fear of driving and may also get anxious being a passenger. This fear can interfere with work, socializing and travel.
The fear of driving in a vehicle as a passenger and for some while driving is real.
For years I have gripped the “oh shit” handle when my husband was driving.
It may be an irrational fear but the trepidation and fear I feel while we are on the road are very real.
I am fine behind the wheel and can drive in cities and on highways but if someone else is behind the wheel I can not relax. I have never been in a severe accident but can remember as a child feeling extremely afraid of riding in a car with an inebriated parent.
The fear has really gotten bad over the last 5 years or so and I can not relax at all on car rides, picturing the worst outcomes. I can literally see and feel a car slamming on its brakes in front of us or a vehicle veering into our lane. I am on high alert and can not have an idle conversation while sitting in the passenger seat.
