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What Is the Fear of Driving? (Amaxophobia)

Amaxophobia is a phobia (irrational fear) of driving or being in a car. This condition is also called motorphobia. Driving is a risky activity, and it's normal to have some level of concern when you're in a car. However, severe amaxophobia can cause you to avoid being in a car altogether.

This article discusses the symptoms and causes of amaxophobia. It also covers diagnosis and treatment.

Alex Walker / Getty Images

Causes of Amaxophobia

The exact cause of amaxophobia, and most phobias in general, is not known. However, phobias often develop after a traumatic experience. Having been involved in a car accident—or even having heard about someone else's accident—could influence your condition.

Phobias are considered a type of anxiety disorder. These conditions can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals, called neurotransmitters , in your brain. Two neurotransmitters in particular that can cause symptoms of anxiety are dopamine and serotonin.

The environment you grew up in can also contribute to your phobia. If your parent or guardian had an irrational fear of driving, you might have learned to be afraid of it as well.

It is possible to have a phobia of something without experiencing a negative or traumatic event. Some people have phobias with no known trigger or cause.

Symptoms of Amaxophobia

Symptoms of amaxophobia can vary from person to person. However, common driving fears include:

• Negative driving experiences: A negative driving experience (as a driver or passenger) can be traumatic for some people, causing them to worry that a similar situation will happen again. Such experiences may include involvement in a car accident, driving in bad weather, or getting lost.
• Driving outside of one's comfort zone : This may include situations like driving to a new location or taking the highway.
• Experiencing anxiety symptoms and being trapped : For those who experience panic attacks, it may be stressful thinking about having anxiety symptoms in a car and not being able to immediately escape.
• Going too fast and losing control : Driving at high speeds, such as on a highway, can be triggering for some people. Oftentimes, they will stick to low-traffic roads.
• Getting into an accident : Those with amaxophobia may experience an intense fear of getting into a car accident. They may not trust their ability or the ability of others to drive.
• Being injured or dying in an accident : Some people fear the risk of injury or fatality that could result from a collision.

Other signs may include:

• Sleep interrupted by thoughts of driving or collisions
• Avoidance of situations that involve being in a vehicle
• Taking alternative routes to avoid highways, intersections, or locations
• Frequently pointing out hazards when other people are driving

Common Phobia Symptoms

Phobias cause similar anxiety symptoms, regardless of the object of your fear. These physical symptoms can occur while you're driving, or even when you're just thinking about driving. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling of impending doom
• Hot flashes

Types of Amaxophobia

Amaxophobia typically presents in two ways:

• Fear of driving : Persons with this type amaxophobia experience anxiety when operating some type of vehicle.
• Fear of being a passenge r: For other people, symptoms are triggered by being a passenger in a vehicle that another person is driving. They usually have no problem with driving themselves.

Some people may experience amaxophobia as both a driver and passenger.

Mental health conditions, such as phobias, are diagnosed using the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition" ( DSM-5 ). While amaxophobia is not listed in the DSM-5, this condition is similar to a diagnosis of specific phobia.

Specific phobia is described as "marked anxiety" about a specific object or situation. DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing specific phobia include:

• Immediate anxiety when exposed to the feared object or situation
• Fear that is out of proportion to the actual risk associated with the object or situation
• Avoiding the object or situation, or experiencing significant anxiety when it is encountered
• Fear that has lasted at least six months

Treating Amaxophobia

Several effective treatments are available for phobias. These can include psychotherapy, self-help techniques, and medications.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy with a mental health professional is often the first treatment for amaxophobia. One method that is used to treat phobias is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Amaxophobia is based on irrational thoughts and fears about driving. These thoughts then affect your emotions and behaviors. CBT challenges your irrational thought patterns and teaches you healthy ways of thinking.

Your therapist might use exposure therapy as part of your treatment for amaxophobia. This technique involves gradual exposure to your fears while incorporating newly learned coping methods to control your anxiety response.

Exposure therapy might begin with talking about driving or looking at pictures of people driving. This treatment could also include virtual reality training to allow you to practice driving in a safe environment.

Self-help techniques can be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety. While these techniques are typically practiced while you are experiencing your symptoms, for safety reasons, you should not perform them while driving.

• Deep breathing : Focusing on your breath can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Perform this technique while sitting in a comfortable position or lying on your back.

Deep Breathing Exercise

• Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
• Breathe in slowly, filling your belly with air. Try not to let your chest rise.
• Pucker your lips and slowly let your breath out, as if you are blowing out candles.
• Repeat for several breaths.
• Mindfulness : This is a technique in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you are sensing and experiencing in the moment without interpretation or judgment. Sit quietly and focus on your breath for a couple of minutes. Take a walk or spend a little time in nature doing this.
• Guided imagery : This technique relies on your imagination to picture yourself in an environment that you find relaxing, such as sitting on the beach.

Medications

Severe amaxophobia can prevent you from driving or riding in a car. This can significantly impact your daily activities. Medications can be effective in treating severe phobias.

Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) are rapidly acting benzodiazepine medications that treat anxiety symptoms while they are occurring. These medications can also be taken right before you ride in a car to help you feel calmer. However, they can cause significant sleepiness and should not be taken if you are driving. They can also be habit-forming.

Phobias are sometimes treated with antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ). Common SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram), and Paxil (paroxetine).

Amaxophobia is an irrational fear of driving or riding in a car. People with this condition may also avoid other forms of transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes. Phobias can cause anxiety symptoms such as chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Treatments include psychotherapy, self-help techniques, and sometimes medications.

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Fischer C, Schröder A, Taylor JE, Heider J. Measuring driving fear: Development and validation of the Instrument for Fear of Driving (IFD) . European Journal of Psychological Assessment. 2023;39(1);49–60. doi:10.1027/1015-5759/a000683

Paul Whetstone J, Cernovsky Z, Tenenbaum S, et al. Validation of James Whetstone’s measure of amaxophobia .  Arch Psy Behav Sci . 2020;3(1):23-33. doi:10.22259/2638-5201.0301003

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PsychCentral. All about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) .

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Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Medication options .

By Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT Dr, Bailey is a Virginia-based physical therapist and professor of anatomy and physiology with over a decade of experience.

Medical Information

Amaxophobia

What are the other names for this condition (also known as/synonyms).

• Fear of Riding in a Car
• Traffic Phobia

What is Amaxophobia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Amaxophobia is an excessive and irrational fear of riding in a car or traveling in a vehicle. It is classified as a specific phobia and is characterized by intense anxiety or distress when faced with the prospect of being in a car or engaging in car-related activities
• Individuals with Amaxophobia may experience significant fear, panic, or feelings of terror when riding in a car, driving, or being a passenger. This fear can lead to avoidance behavior, such as refusing to ride in cars or experiencing extreme discomfort while doing so, which can significantly impact their daily life, mobility, and overall well-being
• The fear of riding in a car may stem from various factors, including traumatic experiences, accidents, fear of losing control, fear of accidents or collisions, motion sickness, or underlying anxiety disorders
• The signs and symptoms of Amaxophobia may include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, panic attacks, avoidance of car travel, distress or anxiety in car-related situations, and interference with daily activities or social engagements that require car travel
• Treatment for Amaxophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, and gradual desensitization to car-related situations. These therapeutic approaches aim to help individuals challenge their irrational thoughts, gradually face their fear, and develop coping strategies to manage their anxiety
• With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with Amaxophobia can learn to overcome their fear, regain their mobility, and improve their quality of life

Who gets Amaxophobia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Amaxophobia can affect individuals of all ages and genders
• The onset of Amaxophobia may occur during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood

What are the Risk Factors for Amaxophobia? (Predisposing Factors)

Several factors may contribute to the risk of developing Amaxophobia, including:

• Traumatic experiences: Past traumatic experiences related to car accidents, witnessing accidents, or other distressing incidents involving cars can increase the likelihood of developing Amaxophobia
• Motion sickness: Individuals who experience motion sickness while traveling in cars or other vehicles may develop a fear response associated with the discomfort
• Underlying anxiety disorders: People with pre-existing anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or specific phobias, may be more prone to developing Amaxophobia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Amaxophobia? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Amaxophobia is not fully understood. However, the following factors may contribute to its development:

• Traumatic experiences: Distressing or traumatic incidents involving car accidents or witnessing accidents can trigger a fear response and contribute to the development of Amaxophobia
• Learned behavior: Observing or hearing about others' negative experiences or fears related to car travel can influence the development of Amaxophobia
• Motion sickness: Individuals who experience severe motion sickness while traveling in cars may associate cars with discomfort, leading to the fear of riding in them

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Amaxophobia?

Individuals with Amaxophobia may experience a range of physical and psychological signs and symptoms associated with their fear of riding in a car, including:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating or trembling
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea or dizziness
• Panic attacks or heightened anxiety while in a car or anticipating car travel
• Avoidance of car travel or extreme discomfort while doing so
• Feeling out of control or fearing accidents or collisions
• Distress or anxiety when faced with car-related situations

How is Amaxophobia Diagnosed?

• Amaxophobia is typically diagnosed based on a comprehensive psychological evaluation by a mental health professional
• The healthcare provider will assess the individual's medical history, symptoms, and the impact of the fear on their daily life and functioning
• In some cases, specific assessment tools or questionnaires may be used to evaluate the severity of the phobia and its impact on the individual's well-being

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Amaxophobia?

If left untreated, Amaxophobia can have various complications, including:

• Limited mobility: The fear of riding in a car can significantly restrict an individual's ability to travel, which may lead to dependence on others for transportation and limit their access to work, school, or social activities
• Isolation and social limitations: Avoidance of car travel can result in isolation and limited social interactions, as many social activities and gatherings require transportation by car
• Emotional distress: Amaxophobia can cause significant emotional distress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness, impacting an individual's overall well-being and mental health

How is Amaxophobia Treated?

Amaxophobia can be effectively treated with various therapeutic interventions. The most common treatment approaches include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge their irrational thoughts and beliefs about car travel. It aims to replace fear and anxiety with more rational and adaptive thinking patterns
• Exposure therapy: Gradual and controlled exposure to car-related situations, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and progressing to more challenging ones, can help individuals desensitize their fear response and reduce anxiety over time
• Relaxation techniques: Learning and practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation, can help individuals manage their anxiety and reduce their fear response
• Supportive counseling: Engaging in supportive counseling or group therapy sessions can provide individuals with a safe space to explore their fears, share experiences, and receive encouragement and support

How can Amaxophobia be Prevented?

Preventing Amaxophobia may not always be possible, but the following strategies may help reduce its impact:

• Early intervention: Addressing and treating specific fears or anxieties related to car travel during childhood or adolescence through therapy or counseling can help prevent the escalation of Amaxophobia
• Gradual exposure: Encouraging gradual exposure to car-related activities, such as sitting in a parked car or taking short rides in low-stress environments, can help individuals develop a sense of control and reduce their fear response
• Education and support: Providing information and support to individuals and their families about the nature of phobias, available treatment options, and coping strategies can help reduce the development and impact of Amaxophobia

What is the Prognosis of Amaxophobia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

With appropriate treatment and support, most individuals with Amaxophobia can experience significant improvement in their fear and anxiety symptoms.

• The prognosis may vary depending on the severity of the phobia, the individual's response to treatment, and their commitment to therapy
• Ongoing practice, exposure to car-related situations in a controlled manner, and the use of coping strategies learned in therapy can help individuals maintain their progress and prevent relapse in their fear of riding in a car

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Amaxophobia:

The following link is a useful resource for information on other mental health conditions on DoveMed:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/emotional-well-being/

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

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What is Amaxophobia?

In this article

Amaxophobia is an extreme and overwhelming fear of driving or travelling as a passenger in a vehicle. Someone with this phobia may experience fear and anxiety that are so intense that they are unable to travel in any vehicle. Other people only experience adverse symptoms in relation to certain types of vehicles.

Being unable to drive or ride as a passenger can significantly affect someone’s day-to-day life, their professional life, their social life and their overall well-being.

Today, we are going to look at amaxophobia in more detail, including the common causes, triggers, symptoms and treatments.

What is amaxophobia?

Amaxophobia is the extreme, irrational, overwhelming and persistent fear of travelling in a vehicle, either as a passenger or as a driver.

People with this phobia may fear driving or travelling in a variety of vehicles, including:

Also known as hamaxophobia or motorphobia, someone with amaxophobia will likely experience intense feelings of fear, anxiety, panic or distress when travelling in a vehicle or thinking about travelling in a vehicle, even if this is for a very short amount of time.

Travelling in a vehicle can be so anxiety-provoking that someone with amaxophobia may experience intense anxiety and panic at the thought of travelling in a car. They may be unable to think about vehicles reasonably or rationally and may be out of touch with reality in relation to vehicles.

In some people, their phobia can be so severe that they experience fear or anxiety just by seeing a vehicle or a vehicle driving close to them. Amaxophobia can be so severe that it can interfere with an individual’s social and professional life. Someone with this phobia may be unable to travel to work or to social events and may be unable to travel to any shops or other places that aren’t within walking distance.

Some people with amaxophobia may also miss important medical appointments or refuse to seek medical help when they need it because their GP surgery, dentist or the hospital are too far from their home. This can have a significant impact on someone’s health and can result in medical conditions going undiagnosed or untreated. Some people’s amaxophobia may be so severe that they are unable to leave their homes in case they see a vehicle.

Because amaxophobia is a highly individualised phobia, it can be connected to several different fears relating to vehicles.

• The fear of being involved in an accident – Many people with amaxophobia may fear being involved in an accident and the injuries or potential fatalities that can occur as a result of a vehicular accident. Statistics regarding vehicle accidents show that there are some risks involved with travelling in vehicles: – 27,450 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI) in 2021 in the UK in road traffic accidents. – 128,209 road traffic casualties occurred in the UK in 2021. – 640 aeroplane crashes occurred worldwide with 477 fatalities in 2019 . Although travelling in vehicles is extremely safe and the number of fatalities and injuries per vehicle are extremely low (particularly for travel by train or commercial aeroplane), seeing or hearing about an accident can be quite traumatic, particularly if you witness a crash happen or see the aftermath of a vehicle accident. Someone with amaxophobia may focus on negative statistics and stories they hear on the news and from family and friends regarding vehicular accidents and crashes.
• The fear of not being in control – Some people with amaxophobia fear travelling in vehicles because they may feel a lack of control, particularly when travelling as a passenger. Knowing that a driver or pilot has complete control of the safety of the vehicle, and you cannot access the steering wheel or brake if you need to, can be extremely triggering for some people. Even if you are driving the vehicle, you may still feel a lack of control as even the safest, most careful driver can become involved in an accident if another driver is careless, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving dangerously, or if adverse weather conditions, such as ice or snow, impact your ability to drive safely.
• The fear of being in a confined space – Vehicles are often confined spaces, particularly if you are travelling by public transport where you may be sitting close to other passengers, and in both private and public modes of transport where you may be unable to open the door and get out whenever you want. This can make you feel like you are trapped or out of control and that something bad is going to happen to you. Disliking confined spaces can make a space that may not usually be considered as small to other people feel very tight or crowded to you. The space may also seem to shrink the longer you spend there, making travelling in a vehicle for longer than a few minutes feel impossible.
• The fear of becoming trapped in a vehicle – Some people dislike vehicles because they have doors that close and lock. In many types of vehicles, the passenger has no control over locking the doors and the doors may be locked without your control (for example, in an ambulance, bus, train or aeroplane). This can make you feel trapped and like you cannot escape if you need to. Even travelling in a car can be difficult as you may fear the doors locking automatically or another person locking you into a car and kidnapping or hurting you in some way.
• The fear of being caught in an incident of terrorism – Terrorism is reported much more frequently on the news and is an issue that many people are now aware of. Terrorist incidents are often sensationalised on the news and reported constantly for weeks, months and even years. Even though terrorist incidents involving vehicles are extremely rare, this over-sensationalising can make them seem more likely to occur. Some people become afraid of vehicles and most particularly of forms of public transport, such as aeroplanes, trains and buses, in case they are caught up in a terrorist incident.

Someone with amaxophobia may find it extremely difficult to think reasonably about their fear of travelling in a vehicle and may unintentionally sensationalise or overstate the risks involved with travelling in a car. Someone with amaxophobia may experience difficulties functioning normally or concentrating in certain places or situations because of their fear of travelling in a vehicle. They could become consumed with the thought of vehicles and may constantly look around them to check there are no vehicles close by.

The negative thoughts and feelings associated with travelling in a vehicle are likely to be overwhelming and can have a significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life, their mental and emotional health and their overall well-being. They may also experience anticipatory anxiety in the lead-up to situations where they may need to travel in a vehicle or may be close to vehicles.

The fear, anxiety and panic that someone with amaxophobia feels can have a significant impact on their life and can result in avoidance behaviours, whereby they avoid any place or situation where they are required to travel by vehicle.

For example, they may be unable to work unless they can work from home, or their workplace is within walking distance, and they may be unable to socialise with their friends or family away from their home. They may also be unable to engage in everyday tasks, such as going to the supermarket or going to the gym. Avoidance behaviours can negatively impact your day-to-day life and your physical and mental well-being. They can also make it difficult for you to function normally in society.

Although avoidance behaviours are designed to help you avoid travelling in vehicles and prevent you from experiencing negative thoughts and feelings and adverse symptoms, they can actually have a paradoxical effect and instead reinforce your fear and result in more severe symptoms in the future. Avoidance behaviours can also negatively impact your social life and professional life, your relationships and your ability to function normally.

Although disliking driving or travelling in certain vehicles isn’t uncommon, this doesn’t mean that every person who dislikes vehicles is experiencing amaxophobia.

To be classified as a phobia, your symptoms will include:

• Feelings of intense fear, panic or anxiety that are difficult to manage.
• Fear or anxiety that is out of proportion to the true risk.
• A fear of travelling in vehicles that lasts for at least six months.
• Engaging in avoidance behaviours to prevent the need to drive or travel in a vehicle.
• Fear that interferes with your day-to-day life, overall well-being or sense of safety.
• Experiencing anticipatory anxiety or worry when thinking about travelling in a vehicle.

Similarly to other phobias, amaxophobia can occur on a spectrum, with the amount of fear and anxiety someone feels ranging from mild to severe. Some people with this condition will experience symptoms in relation to all vehicles and will refuse to travel in any vehicle, regardless of the circumstances and how much they need to travel to a particular place.

Other people will only experience symptoms in relation to certain types of vehicles, may be able to drive (but not travel as a passenger) or may be able to travel with someone they trust, such as a parent or partner.

Someone with amaxophobia may be aware that their fear of driving or being a passenger in a vehicle is irrational and that the risk to them is relatively low. However, they may still find that they are unable to control their fear or anxiety and are unable to manage or prevent their psychological, behavioural or physiological responses to vehicles.

Amaxophobia is related to and can occur in conjunction with other phobias, such as:

• Aerophobia : An extreme fear of flying.
• Claustrophobia : An extreme fear of confined spaces.
• Agoraphobia : An extreme fear of situations where escape may be difficult.
• Thanatophobia : An extreme fear of death.
• Dystychiphobia : An extreme fear of accidents.
• Algophobia : An extreme fear of physical pain.
• Tachophobia : An extreme fear of speed.

How common is amaxophobia?

Amaxophobia is a type of specific phobia which is characterised by an enduring, overwhelming and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, place or person; in this case, an extreme fear of driving or travelling in vehicles. Amaxophobia is also a type of anxiety disorder.

Because amaxophobia is officially categorised as a specific phobia, any diagnoses of this condition fall under the specific phobia umbrella. This means there are no individual statistics available that show how many people have a phobia of driving or travelling in vehicles.

Currently, approximately 5 million people are diagnosed with a type of specific phobia. However, it is thought that these figures are not representative of the true statistics and that many people with phobias either never seek a diagnosis, are misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. Similarly to other specific phobias, many people with amaxophobia never receive an official diagnosis for their condition.

There are multiple reasons why amaxophobia may go undiagnosed, for example:

• Many people with amaxophobia have never heard of this condition so may not realise they are experiencing a diagnosable medical condition.
• Many people are unaware that there are effective treatment options available for phobias.
• Someone with a phobia of travelling in vehicles may implement successful avoidance behaviours to reduce the frequency with which they are exposed to their triggers or need to travel in a vehicle. This can make their phobia seem more manageable.
• Someone with amaxophobia may not discuss their thoughts and feelings with others so may not realise that what they are experiencing is abnormal.
• Someone with amaxophobia may be embarrassed by their fear and the way it affects their life and may not want to speak to their GP or admit that they have a problem.
• The symptoms of amaxophobia can be similar to the symptoms of other phobias, such as claustrophobia, so the condition may be misdiagnosed.

It is also important to keep in mind that not everyone who dislikes driving or travelling as a passenger is experiencing a diagnosable medical condition.

Negative thoughts and feelings concerning travelling in vehicles can occur on a spectrum, ranging from mild anxiety to severe fear, panic and anxiety that can impact your day-to-day life, affect your decision-making and result in changes in your behaviour. It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between a dislike of travelling in vehicles and amaxophobia.

Who is at risk of amaxophobia?

Although anyone can develop amaxophobia, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of someone developing a fear of driving or travelling as a passenger in a vehicle.

These include:

• Having a previous negative, traumatic, scary or painful experience involving a vehicle or driving or travelling in a vehicle.
• Witnessing an accident, such as a car crash.
• Hearing traumatic or scary stories about crashes or seeing frightening pictures or videos, such as of plane crashes, particularly during childhood or adolescence.
• Having another related phobia, such as claustrophobia or aerophobia.
• Previously experiencing a panic attack or high anxiety when travelling in a vehicle, even if the vehicle was not the cause of your anxiety.
• Having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, with amaxophobia.
• Having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, with another phobia.
• Being exposed to the fear of driving or vehicles during childhood or adolescence.
• Having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Having another mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, depression or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD ).
• Having a sensory processing disorder or sensory difficulties.
• Being a naturally more anxious or nervous person.
• Experiencing a significant life stressor, having higher than usual stress levels or being in a heightened mental state (particularly if you are exposed to amaxophobia or have a negative experience involving a vehicle during this time).
• Having a substance use disorder, such as an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

It is important to note that even though the above risk factors can increase the likelihood of you developing amaxophobia, they do not guarantee this. Someone with none of the above risk factors can develop the condition unexpectedly, whereas someone with several risk factors may never develop amaxophobia and may be confident driving and travelling in a variety of vehicles throughout their life.

Unlike many other types of phobias, which often more frequently manifest or are diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, amaxophobia is more prevalent in adults. This could be because adults are more aware of the potential danger of travelling in a vehicle, may be more likely to have witnessed or heard about a traumatic vehicle accident or may be more likely to watch the news, which often sensationalises incidents such as train and plane crashes.

How to deal with amaxophobia

There are several medical interventions and medical treatments which effectively treat amaxophobia. However, there are also other strategies that you can implement yourself to help you successfully manage and reduce the symptoms of your phobia and reduce the impact your fear has on your life.

Coping and calming strategies can be combined with lifestyle changes to help alleviate your symptoms and reduce the impact your phobia has on your day-to-day life and your health and overall well-being.

Some coping and calming strategies are designed to be implemented long term, as part of your regular daily or weekly routine. Long-term strategies can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms over time and enable you to be exposed to your triggers in the future without experiencing negative thoughts and feelings.

Other strategies are most effective short term and should be implemented when you are travelling in a vehicle in the future. Short-term strategies are designed to minimise or prevent any physiological, psychological or behavioural symptoms in the moment and to prevent a triggering situation from worsening and your negative thoughts and feelings from taking over.

Some of the long-term and short-term coping and calming strategies you can implement to help you deal with your amaxophobia are:

• Learn about your phobia – Take the time to understand your phobia, including what initially caused your fear and what your triggers are. Understanding the root cause of your phobia and any negative or damaging beliefs, patterns of thought, feelings and behaviours that are attached to it can help you to change your conscious and unconscious reactions to driving or being a passenger and can help you to manage the symptoms of your phobia more successfully. Having a more thorough understanding of your phobia can help you to understand and rationalise your thoughts, reduce your automatic fear response and reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
• Create a fear ladder – A fear ladder can help you to analyse and understand your phobia and can help you to identify which of your triggers creates more severe anxiety and panic than others. Because phobias are highly individualised, everyone’s fear ladder is different. An example fear ladder is shown below: – 1 = Being on an aeroplane. – 2 = Being on a train. – 3 = Driving a car. – 4 = Being a passenger on a bus. – 5 = Being a passenger in a car with someone you don’t know. – 6 = Being a passenger in a car with someone you know. Once you have created your fear ladder, you can then confront your triggers one at a time, starting at the bottom of the ladder (the trigger that results in the least phobic response). This can help you slowly deal with your phobia and the triggers that are worsening the symptoms of your phobia.
• Visualise yourself overcoming your fear – Visualisation can be a very effective tool for overcoming your phobia. It works by visualising yourself successfully confronting your fear and overcoming the source of your phobia and any fear and anxiety you may be experiencing. To work effectively, you will need to visualise yourself facing your trigger (e.g. driving a car) and imagine how this would feel and the positive ways it would change your life; for example, you may feel empowered and accomplished and be able to start driving to work and visiting your friends. The brain often cannot distinguish between our thoughts and reality so visualising positive experiences driving or being a passenger can reassure your brain that there is no danger and that you can overcome your fear.
• Challenge negative thoughts and feelings – If you have a phobia, experiencing negative thoughts and feelings surrounding the object of your fear can be unconscious and automatic. You may think about travelling in a vehicle with increasing distress and find it difficult to prevent your feelings of fear, panic and anxiety. If you are in a triggering situation or find yourself thinking about your triggers negatively, you can prevent your fear from escalating by disrupting and challenging your negative thoughts and memories. Remind yourself that your fear is irrational, that the feelings will soon pass, that your fear is disproportionate and that you aren’t in any danger.
• Desensitisation – Desensitisation can be an effective way of reducing your automatic fear response. It draws on the principles of exposure therapy and is designed to be done gradually, in environments and situations where you feel safe and comfortable. You should begin with a trigger that only results in low levels of anxiety and once you are comfortable, move on to another situation that is usually more anxiety-provoking. The aim is to slowly build up to the situations that currently create the strongest fear and anxiety responses. Gradually desensitising yourself can prevent driving or travelling as a passenger from triggering a reaction or can result in a less severe reaction in the future. This can reduce the impact your phobia has on your daily life and your well-being.
• Join a support group – In order to manage your phobia and reduce the impact it has on your life, you can join a support group with other people who have gone through similar experiences to you. Support groups are usually led by experts and are comprised of people who have faced or overcome similar challenges. As well as providing you with information and advice, the sessions can validate your thoughts and feelings and provide reassurance and empathy. In-person and online support groups are available.
• Set goals – Setting a list of goals, both short-term and long-term, can ensure you stay motivated and hold yourself accountable. Goals give you a long-term vision, such as no longer being afraid of travelling in a vehicle. They also give you short-term motivation. Setting goals can also help to eradicate problematic behaviours and trigger new positive behaviours and can keep you motivated to overcome your phobia.
• Avoid negative depictions or negative stories – There are many different examples of TV shows, films and songs that portray vehicles negatively (e.g. by showing crashes, derailments and terrorist incidents). Negative portrayals can validate and reinforce any negative connotations you have already associated with driving or travelling as a passenger. Additionally, real stories, such as news stories or stories from friends and family, can also exacerbate your phobia and cause you to experience more severe fear and anxiety. Avoid any triggering or negative depictions of vehicles to prevent your phobia from escalating.
• Practise mindfulness – Mindfulness can teach you how to be grounded and present in the moment, how to accept your thoughts and feelings and how to overcome any fear and anxiety you may be feeling. Mindfulness teaches you to focus your breathing and attention and reduces the likelihood of you experiencing a panic attack. Mindfulness can also help you to manage stress and anxiety and be more in control of the connection between your mind and body and help you to control the symptoms of your phobia.
• Practise yoga and meditation – People who practise yoga and meditation consistently can achieve a meditative state of mind that can help manage the symptoms of amaxophobia. The practice of yoga and meditation helps you achieve a highly relaxed state and decreases your stress levels, which reduces your chance of experiencing a fight-or-flight response. You can also learn how to control your breathing and manage your body’s negative reactions to your triggers. Daily practice can help reduce the impact of your phobia and improve your symptoms over time.
• Learn deep breathing exercises – Deep breathing exercises can effectively help you manage or prevent the symptoms of your phobia if you encounter a trigger. Deep breathing prompts your brain to relax and calm down, which can help you to manage your anxiety. If you engage in deep breathing exercises every day, this can help you to effectively reduce your stress levels, relieve tension in your body and reduce your anxiety long term.
• Make lifestyle changes – Lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, high levels of stress and a poor diet can exacerbate the symptoms of your phobia and increase your anxiety. By making lifestyle changes, you can reduce the impact your phobia has on your life. Some lifestyle changes you can make include: – Implement a successful sleep routine. – Reduce your daily stress. – Eat a healthy, balanced diet. – Implement an exercise routine. – Avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants. – Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. – Stop smoking.

What triggers amaxophobia?

A trigger, also known as a stressor, is an object, person, place, situation or thought that triggers a negative reaction and negative thoughts and feelings, such as fear, panic, anxiety or distress. A trigger can also lead to physiological, behavioural and other psychological symptoms. Your brain perceives a trigger as a threat to your physical or mental safety or well-being and will react accordingly.

Because amaxophobia is an individualised phobia that manifests in different ways, there are many potential triggers and different people with this condition often have different triggers. The types of things, places and situations that trigger your phobia can vary from person to person, with some people having only one trigger and other people having multiple triggers.

The types of triggers and the number of triggers experienced by different people can vary depending on what initially caused their phobia to develop, their perception of the potential risk, the severity of their symptoms and their current mindset and mental health.

The most common triggers for amaxophobia are:

• Getting into a vehicle.
• Driving a vehicle.
• Travelling as a passenger in a vehicle.
• Being in a vehicle and seeing or hearing the doors close.
• A vehicle driving past you.
• Hearing the sound of a vehicle, such as the beep of a horn, the sound of an aeroplane flying above or the siren from an ambulance.
• Booking a ticket for transport, such as a train ticket or flight ticket.
• Going to a train station, bus terminal or airport.
• Being in an enclosed space that reminds you of a vehicle.
• Seeing an accident involving a vehicle.
• Hearing about incidents such as a plane crash on the news.
• Watching a TV show or film featuring vehicles, particularly if it involves a negative incident or accident.
• Thinking about vehicles or remembering a previous time you travelled in a vehicle.
• Smelling something you associate with vehicles, such as petrol.
• Someone you love travelling in a vehicle.
• Walking down a busy street or being in a busy city centre.

What are the symptoms of amaxophobia?

The symptoms of amaxophobia are varied and often differ significantly from person to person. The symptoms can differ in the way they manifest, their severity and the type of symptoms a person experiences. Some people with amaxophobia only experience a few mild symptoms whereas other people experience more severe symptoms.

It is also possible to experience different types and severities of symptoms in different situations and when faced with different triggers. For example, your symptoms may be more severe travelling on an aeroplane compared to travelling in a car with your partner.

Differences in the severity of symptoms, how frequently they occur, and their manifestation can also occur for other reasons, such as how acute your phobia is, your triggers, your perception of the situation and your current mental health and mindset.

The symptoms of amaxophobia can occur at any time, including when you are travelling in a vehicle, when you think about travelling in a vehicle and when you encounter another trigger. The symptoms of amaxophobia are often automatic and uncontrollable. It may feel like you are unable to control or manage your thoughts or feelings and that your phobia is taking over your body. To be classified as a phobia, you will need to experience symptoms for at least six months.

The symptoms of amaxophobia can be psychological, behavioural or physiological. The most common symptoms are:

Psychological Symptoms:

Psychological symptoms refer to the symptoms of your phobia that are cognitive or emotional.

The most commonly occurring psychological symptoms of amaxophobia are:

• Intense, overwhelming persistent, excessive and unreasonable fear, anxiety, panic or dread when travelling in a vehicle or thinking about travelling in a vehicle.
• Feelings of fear, anxiety or panic that are out of proportion to the risks.
• Being unable to control your fear, anxiety or panic even if you are aware that they are out of proportion to the risk.
• Catastrophising the possible risks of travelling in a vehicle and envisioning the worse possible outcome, for example, the car you are in is going to drive off a bridge.
• Experiencing anticipatory anxiety in the lead-up to travelling in a vehicle.
• Experiencing depersonalisation or derealisation (where you feel like you no longer understand what is happening around you or you have lost touch with reality) when in triggering situations.
• Feeling immobilised or frozen by your fear.
• Feeling defenceless or vulnerable.
• Being unable to concentrate or function normally in a vehicle or in another triggering situation.
• Feeling like you are losing control or are not in control.
• Experiencing frequent or distressing nightmares involving vehicles.
• Feeling like you are in danger or having a sense of impending doom.
• Feeling like you are going to die.

Behavioural Symptoms:

Behavioural symptoms refer to any changes in your behaviour that occur as a direct or indirect result of your phobia. These symptoms may be negative, harmful or abnormal and may be different from your typical behaviour or the expected behaviour in society.

The most commonly occurring behavioural symptoms of amaxophobia are:

• Avoiding any place or situation that may require you to travel in a vehicle.
• Becoming socially withdrawn.
• Being unable to work if your workplace isn’t close to your home.
• Not engaging with medical appointments as you cannot travel to them.
• Being unable to walk in a city centre or another area with lots of vehicles.
• Being unable to eat or having a lack of appetite during or in the lead-up to a potentially triggering situation.
• Difficulties sleeping or insomnia in the lead-up to a potentially triggering situation.
• Refusing to talk about or think about driving or travelling in a vehicle.
• Being unable to watch a TV show or film that features cars, buses, planes or trains, particularly if they involve a negative event, such as a crash.
• Feeling like you want to run away and hide if you are required to travel in a vehicle.

Physiological Symptoms:

Physiological symptoms are the physical disturbances or changes you feel in your body that are caused by your phobia. Because travelling in a vehicle causes a fear or anxiety response, seeing a vehicle or thinking about getting into a vehicle can result in a fight-or-flight response.

The fight-or-flight response is an automatic physiological reaction that occurs when your brain perceives the object of your fear as a threat or danger. This can result in a sudden release of hormones, such as adrenaline or noradrenaline, that activates your sympathetic nervous system and prepares your body to fight or flee from the perceived danger.

These hormones can cause physiological symptoms such as:

• Unusual or excessive sweating or clamminess.
• Muscle tension or feeling like your muscles are stiff.
• Unusual pain or headaches.
• Shaking or trembling.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• Feeling confused or disorientated.
• Hot flashes or chills.
• Being unusually sensitive to hot and cold temperatures (e.g. feeling like you are extremely hot even though the room temperature is normal).
• Difficulties breathing, rapid breathing or hyperventilation.
• Feeling like you cannot catch your breath.
• A fast heart rate, heart palpitations or feeling like your heart is pounding.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• A tightness in your chest or chest pains.
• A choking sensation, finding it difficult to swallow or feeling like something is stuck in your throat.
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or feeling like you need to go to the toilet.
• Feeling like you have butterflies in your stomach.
• Numbness or tingling, particularly in your hands, feet, arms or legs.
• A dry or sticky mouth.
• Feeling unusually tired or fatigued.
• Pale or flushed skin, particularly in the face.
• Experiencing a panic attack.

Some people with amaxophobia only experience some of the symptoms, for example, they may experience fear, anxiety and avoidance behaviours but no physiological symptoms. Other people experience a variety of psychological, behavioural and physiological symptoms.

You may also experience different types and severities of symptoms at different times. For example, you may experience symptoms such as a racing heart, shaking, breathing difficulties and panic attacks if you are sitting on an aeroplane but experience more mild symptoms if you are travelling on a train.

What causes amaxophobia?

There are many possible causes of amaxophobia. It could be that your phobia has one clear cause that you can easily identify or that multiple factors contributed to you developing a phobia. Some people with amaxophobia find it difficult to identify exactly what caused them to develop a fear of driving or travelling as a passenger. It can be more difficult to identify the cause or causes of your phobia if it developed a long time ago, such as during childhood, or if your symptoms manifested gradually over time.

Identifying the root cause or causes of your phobia can be extremely beneficial, as it allows you to address your initial triggers and any negative patterns of thought or feelings that are attached to your initial triggers. This can make it easier to manage your symptoms and reduce the impact your phobia has on your life.

The causes of amaxophobia can be psychological, environmental, societal or genetic. The cause often varies from person to person.

The most common causes of amaxophobia are:

• A negative, traumatic, scary or painful experience that occurred when you were driving or travelling as a passenger – Also known as traumatic conditioning or a direct learning experience, this is the most common cause of amaxophobia. The traumatic experience may or may not have involved real danger or risk. However, as long as you experienced significant fear, distress or trauma, this could have led to the development of a phobia. A traumatic experience is more likely to lead to a phobia if it happened during childhood or during a particularly vulnerable time in your life. The experience can be direct, meaning it happened to you, or indirect, meaning you witnessed the event happening to someone else. Examples of traumatic experiences include: – Experiencing severe turbulence or a forced landing on an aeroplane. – Being involved in a car crash. – Being a victim of abuse or violence while on public transport. – Being in a car that slid or lost control on ice. – Witnessing a traumatic incident involving vehicles. Following the traumatic experience, you may begin to have intrusive and negative thoughts or memories of the trauma and begin to avoid trauma-related triggers. This can cause the fear or anxiety you felt at the time of the experience to linger or worsen and can lead to you developing a phobia. Even if the traumatic event took place in one type of vehicle, your fear could spread to any form of transport.
• The media portrayal of traumatic events – There have been several examples in recent decades of traumatic incidents involving forms of transport. These incidents are often widely reported on the news and on social media and are often accompanied by distressing photographs and reports of the incident. Some examples include: – The 9/11 terrorist attacks when nearly 3,000 people died. – The Malaysian Airlines flight 370 that disappeared with 239 people on board. – The 2004 Madrid train bombings, where 193 people died and more than 2,000 were injured. – The death of Princess Diana when travelling in a car. When events such as these occur, it can be almost impossible to avoid hearing the details and seeing the traumatic pictures and videos, and many of these news stories are still revisited today. Traumatic events can cause someone to associate travelling on transport with danger or fear and they may begin to avoid transport, which can then develop into amaxophobia.
• Fear rumination – This is a common cause of phobias and usually occurs following a negative experience involving transport. Fear rumination involves engaging in repetitive negative thought processes and persistently and repeatedly recapping a traumatic, scary, negative or painful experience. Over time, these thoughts and memories can become increasingly upsetting and intrusive and can make you remember the event as being more negative or scary than it was in reality. Fear rumination reinforces your natural fear responses, creates additional anxiety and can result in you developing amaxophobia.
• The startle response – Amaxophobia can be triggered by the startle response in your brain. The startle response is a mainly unconscious defensive response to something that we perceive to be dangerous or threatening. The threatening stimulus is usually a surprise or occurs suddenly. The stimulus ‘startles’ you and causes your brain to release chemicals that heighten your feelings of anxiety and your perception of danger. If a vehicle caused the startle response, for example, if a car swerved towards you, or you experienced the startle response while you were driving or travelling in a vehicle, this could have created a future negative association between transport and danger which can result in you developing amaxophobia.
• A learned phobia – Also known as an observational learning experience or modelling, a learned phobia usually means you observed a fear of driving or travelling in another person and learnt to be scared of these situations yourself. You are more likely to learn a phobia if you are exposed to it during childhood or adolescence; for example, children who grow up with a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, with amaxophobia are more likely to develop the condition themselves. However, a learned phobia can also develop during adulthood.
• An informational learning experience – Being exposed to information that scares you or creates feelings of fear or anxiety can contribute to you developing amaxophobia. For example, hearing about the number of car accidents that occur every year, the different ways that an aeroplane can fail or crash and the number of people that die every year in a car or another form of transport can lead you to think of driving or travelling as a passenger as being dangerous and can create feelings of fear, anxiety and panic. If these feelings are not addressed and dealt with, they can then develop into a phobia.
• Negative depictions in popular culture – There are many examples in TV shows, films and music where negative or traumatic events involving vehicles occur. For example: – Artists such as The Beach Boys, Elton John and Eminem who sang songs about car crashes. – Films such as Air Force One that depict terrorist incidents on planes. – Films such as The Fugitive and The Commuter which depict negative incidents on trains. – Films such as Thelma and Louise, The Italian Job and Final Destination that feature car crashes. Exposure to negative portrayals such as these can result in a phobia, particularly if the exposure occurs during childhood or during a vulnerable or stressful time in your life. Negative depictions can cause you to view driving or travelling in certain types of vehicles to be dangerous and you could begin to experience fear and anxiety responses at the thought of travelling, which can then develop into amaxophobia.
• Experiencing significant or higher than usual stress levels – Significant, long-term stress can result in a disproportionate fear response or an inability to manage intense situations. This can make it more likely that you will develop a phobia, such as amaxophobia, particularly if you have a negative experience in a vehicle or are exposed to amaxophobia while experiencing higher levels of stress. A stressful or distressing event, such as a death, can also trigger a phobia, as you may be less able to manage your emotions and thought processes when experiencing grief, which can result in a disproportionate fear response.
• Having another related phobia – Amaxophobia is closely related to other phobias, such as claustrophobia and aerophobia. In fact, many people with these phobias also experience amaxophobia, particularly if they have never addressed or dealt with their original phobia and the initial onset of their fear. Someone who has a phobia of enclosed spaces, aeroplanes or pain and injury may also have amaxophobia as they fear that being inside a vehicle, such as a car or a train, could trigger their phobia and result in adverse symptoms, such as a panic attack.

How is amaxophobia diagnosed?

If you think you may be experiencing amaxophobia, you should make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will ask questions about your symptoms and will likely look at your medical history. They may also ask about any medications or supplements you are taking, to ensure your symptoms cannot be explained by anything else. If your GP thinks you could be experiencing amaxophobia, they will then make a referral to a psychologist or another mental health professional.

To gain more information about your symptoms and your thoughts and feelings surrounding driving or travelling as a passenger, the psychologist will conduct a phobia questionnaire.

As part of the questionnaire, they will likely ask questions relating to:

• The types of symptoms you experience, how frequently they occur and how severe they are.
• The initial onset of your phobia, including when your symptoms first began and what initially triggered your fear.
• Your medical history, including whether you are currently or have previously had any anxiety disorders, panic disorders, phobias or other mental health conditions.
• Whether you have a family history of phobias.
• How much your fear interferes with your day-to-day life, your well-being and your behaviour.

Because amaxophobia is a type of specific phobia, your symptoms will be compared to the diagnostic criteria for specific phobias.

Your symptoms will need to correspond with the seven key criteria listed below:

1. The fear must be persistent, excessive and unreasonable. It can occur either when the individual is travelling in a vehicle or at other times. 2. Exposure to their triggers leads to an immediate anxiety response in the majority of situations. 3. The fear is excessive and disproportionate to the threat, and this is recognised by the individual. 4. The individual avoids places or situations where they could be required to drive or travel as a passenger. If they are exposed to a trigger, the individual will experience extreme fear, anxiety or distress. 5. The anticipation of driving or travelling as a passenger and the avoidance behaviours associated with avoiding their triggers can have a significant impact on the individual’s day-to-day life. 6. The fear has lasted for a minimum of six months. 7. The phobia is not associated with another disorder or mental health condition.

If your symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria listed above, you will be diagnosed with a specific phobia (amaxophobia). Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may then be offered treatment.

How is amaxophobia treated?

Medical interventions and medical treatments for amaxophobia are usually effective, with treatment estimated to be successful for approximately 90% of people with specific phobias. However, not everyone with amaxophobia requires treatment.

If your symptoms are mild, your fear doesn’t impact your daily life or well-being or you have already implemented successful coping strategies, then formal treatment may not be required. However, you should always consult your doctor before making any treatment decisions.

Nevertheless, many people with amaxophobia find treatment to be beneficial. If your phobia is frequently triggered, if you find yourself changing your behaviour, if your symptoms are severe or if your phobia negatively impacts your life, then treatment will likely be advantageous.

As multiple treatment options are available, your psychologist will create a treatment plan that is specifically designed to treat your phobia.

 Your treatment plan will be based on several factors, such as:

• The severity of your symptoms.
• The frequency of your symptoms.
• The root cause of your phobia.
• How significantly your phobia impacts your life.

The most common treatments for amaxophobia are:

Exposure Therapy:

Exposure therapy is one of the most effective ways of treating amaxophobia. Sessions involve gradual and repeated exposure to your triggers in a safe and controlled environment. The aim is to expose you to your fear so that you eventually become desensitised and no longer experience a fear or anxiety response.

Exposure therapy takes place over multiple sessions, with the number of sessions you require depending on how severe or complex your fear is. You will be required to talk about your fear, visualise your fear and be exposed to real triggering situations.

Exposure will begin gradually in escalating phases, with the situation that is the least anxiety-provoking, such as watching videos of someone driving or travelling in a vehicle. Once you are comfortable with this level of exposure, you will progress to other triggering situations, such as sitting in a stationary car.

With each exposure, you should experience progressively lower anxiety and you will gradually build up to the most anxiety-inducing situations. The aim is that you can eventually be in triggering situations without experiencing a negative fear response. During your sessions, you will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques that can be used before and during exposure and if you are faced with your triggers in the future.

By creating realistic thoughts and beliefs surrounding vehicles, unlearning negative associations and patterns of thought, decreasing negative reactions and feelings long term, and learning relaxation techniques and coping and calming strategies, exposure therapy can help you overcome your phobia.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

CBT can be effective in addressing any negative or irrational patterns of thought that are contributing to your phobia. It is a type of psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy. CBT aims to help you understand your phobia and its underlying cause and change the way you perceive and respond to triggering situations.

Someone with amaxophobia will experience irrational and overwhelming beliefs and thoughts about driving or travelling as a passenger. These beliefs and thoughts will negatively affect your emotions and behaviours. CBT teaches you how to challenge these negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier more realistic thoughts.

During the sessions, you will identify negative thoughts and memories and deconstruct them into smaller pieces, which can then be focused on individually. This can help you to change the way you think, feel and respond to your triggers and eliminate any negative connections you have between vehicles and fear or danger.

CBT sessions can be conducted individually or as part of a group. During your sessions you will:

• Discuss your triggers and symptoms.
• Explore what caused your fear of driving or travelling as a passenger.
• Learn how to recognise your negative thoughts and change the way you are thinking.
• Learn coping strategies and calming strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, distraction techniques and coping statements.

Medication:

Although medication is not usually offered as the sole treatment option for phobias, it can be prescribed if your phobia is particularly severe, to help you manage some of the physical and psychological symptoms of your phobia. In this situation, medication, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication, may be offered alongside other treatment options such as psychotherapy.

Understanding Phobias

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About the author

Nicole Murphy

Nicole graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology in 2013. She works as a writer and editor and tries to combine all her passions - writing, education, and psychology. Outside of work, Nicole loves to travel, go to the beach, and drink a lot of coffee! She is currently training to climb Machu Picchu in Peru.

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13 Phobias That Involve Cars, Driving, & Being on the Road

For the majority of people in the world, driving around town is a basic part of daily life. Unfortunately for some people, vehicular transportation can be a terrifying experience to be avoided at all costs. More than a dozen different phobias can create a debilitating state for those with diagnosed conditions.

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13 Phobias that Affect Drivers, Passengers, or Pedestrians

• Motorphobia: The fear of automobiles in general, also referred to as ochophobia. This goes as far as fearing the very idea of vehicles, much less being around them.
• Mechanophobia: The fear of machines. For some, anxiety about vehicles can extend further to most man-made, mechanized creations.
• Claustrophobia: The fear of closed, small spaces . Automobiles might look harmless from the outside, but being stuck inside the confined, enclosed cabin of a car can cause intense panic.
• Vehophobia: The fear of driving. Being in vehicles might not be terrifying, but controlling one can cause severe emotional distress to some.
• Amaxophobia: The fear of riding in a car. Even if you’re not the one behind the wheel, riding in a car can create a paralyzing sense of dread for some.
• Dystychiphobia: The fear of accidents . A reason some people don’t like being in a moving car, this phobia is concerned with the possible danger on the road.
• Traumatophobia: The fear of injury. Related to fearing vehicular accidents, you can fear any sort of bodily harm, inside or outside the car.
• Hodophobia:  The fear of road travel. Some people avoid travelling on the road altogether due to this.
• Technophobia: The fear of advanced technology or complex devices. As vehicles continue to get more computerized and digitally-connected, this phobia is affecting more drivers.
• Photoaugliaphobia: The fear of glaring lights. Driving during the day might not be bad, as long as it’s not too sunny, but being confronted by oncoming headlights at night can be traumatic.
• Gephyrophobia:  The fear of bridges . Traversing grounded roads can be a breeze but some people go out of their way to avoid going across a raised road.
• Chionophobia: The fear of snow . If you don’t like winter because of the snow, you probably don’t enjoy driving in the snow, either.
• Agyrophobia:  The fear that crossing the street will cause bodily harm. Even if there are no cars in sight, the act of stepping onto a paved road can stir terror.

Don’t Panic!   We help you determine what your dashboard warning lights mean

Sources: Phrontistery , Common Phobias

Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.

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Hodophobia (Fear of Road Travel)

Hodophobia is the irrational fear of road travel. Someone suffering from this condition can expect to experience a very high amount of anxiety from merely thinking of road travel , let alone actually experiencing it. In fact, their anxiety may be so intense that they may even endure a full blown panic attack as a result of it. Although such an influx of anxiety will not always be the case for everyone suffering from hodophobia, it is still very plausible to occur nonetheless.

Someone experiencing a full blown panic attack as a result of their hodophobia can expect to have an increased heart rate, an increased rate of breathing, higher blood pressure, muscle tension, trembling, and excessive sweating, among several other symptoms. Although panic attacks may not always be the case for everyone experiencing symptoms of hodophobia, it is still possible to occur, especially if their symptoms are very severe.

Someone suffering from hodophobia may find themselves avoiding that which they fear. They may take this to the extreme by ensuring that they cannot be exposed to road travel in any way. For example, someone with this condition may refuse to travel by car due to their intense fear of road travel even when renting an electric car with the most reliable and safe autopilot features. Such excessive worry and irrational thinking is likely to be one of the main causes of their mental anguish.

Although someone with this condition may actively avoid their fear in an attempt to help them reduce their chances of experiencing any immediate anxiety, doing so may also worsen their symptoms of hodophobia in the long term due to the fact that they would also be justifying their fear to themselves by actively avoiding it.

Symptoms of Hodophobia

As is the case with virtually every other phobia that exists, someone with hodophobia can expect anxiety to be the most prominent symptom of their condition. Also, as previously mentioned, their anxiety may be so extreme that they may even endure full blown panic attacks as a result of it. Depending on the severity of their panic attack, they may even need to be hospitalized. However, this will vary from person to person and will be dependent on many factors.

Furthermore, someone with hodophobia may go to painstaking efforts to ensure that they do not come into contact with their fear in any way. This may mean them not only avoiding areas where they may come into contact with their fear, but also that they may actively try to prevent it from happening by taking a more hands-on approach.

Below, you will see some more common symptoms of this phobia:

• Anxiety when thinking of road travel
• Constantly avoiding road travel
• Unable to cope with their anxiety
• Muscle tension, shakiness, and sweating
• May experience panic attacks

Causes of Hodophobia

There are no definitive causes of hodophobia. Nevertheless, genetics and one’s environment may both play very significant roles in the development of this condition. For example, if someone has a family history of mental illness, especially of anxiety disorders or  specific phobias , then they may have a higher chance of developing hodophobia. This may be due to them then having a genetic predisposition to developing mental illness in general.

If someone were to have such genetics, then it may only require that they experience some sort of traumatic event for them to develop full blown hodophobia. Essentially, any sort of emotionally painful event that involved the various fears associated with hodophobia in some way may be enough for someone to develop this condition insofar as they have the proper genetics.

Although we do not know the exact causes of hodophobia, the consensus among most mental health professionals is that both genetics and environmental factors play very significant roles in the development of any given mental disorder. So, taking a closer look at these two different parameters may shed some light as to whether or not you may be at risk for developing hodophobia.

Hodophobia Treatments

Just as there are no definitive causes of hodophobia, there are also no treatments that are specifically designed for this condition either. Nevertheless, there are still many different forms of treatment that can help to significantly improve many of the symptoms of hodophobia. Some of these treatments include exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and some psychiatric medications, among others.

Exposure therapy  is one of the most common forms of treatment for people suffering from phobias. Exposure therapy works by having the therapist gradually expose the patient to their fear over a given period of time. With regards to hodophobia, the therapist may start off by exposing the patient to photos of someone driving a car, among other things. This would all be in an attempt to help desensitize the patient to their fear by repetitively exposing them to it. Theoretically, the more someone is exposed to something they fear, the less it will bother them over time.

CBT  is another very common form of treatment that is often used to help people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder ( GAD ) and obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD ), among other conditions. Moreover, it may also be effective at helping to treat people suffering from phobias like hodophobia as well. CBT works by having the therapist help the patient to uncover why it is that they think, feel, and behave the way they do with regards to a particular fear or concern they have.

Someone with hodophobia partaking in CBT can expect to learn why it is that they think the way they do about their fear, among other things. Understanding such things may help someone with hodophobia to take a more pragmatic approach when thinking about their fear of road travel.

Exposure Therapy for Hodophobia

As previously mentioned, exposure therapy is one of the most common ways to treat anxiety disorders such as hodophobia. It can be an efficient way to help desensitize the patient to their specific fears. Be that as it may, it is imperative that the therapist implementing it on their patient is very adept at doing so. For example, if the therapist were to slightly expose someone with hodophobia to their fear, then it may not be very effective as they may need a higher amount of exposure to truly trigger any sort of worthwhile change in the patient.

The same can be said for the antithesis of this scenario. If the therapist were to excessively expose someone with hodophobia to their fear, then doing so could be highly counterproductive to the point to where their hodophobia may become immensely worse due to the therapy alone. So, it is paramount that the therapist implementing exposure therapy for someone with hodophobia has a very strong sense of just how severe their symptoms are so that they can know the level of exposure that the patient will likely be able to handle.

Working Out for Hodophobia

Exercise has been shown to be extremely beneficial for people suffering from anxiety disorders, including hodophobia. Specifically, cardiovascular exercise can significantly help to relieve one’s stress. This is not to say that weight-resistance training would not benefit someone with anxiety, but rather that aerobic exercise is has been shown to be more effective at releasing those feel good chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins.

According to the American Psychology Association, exercise can help to condition the mind to better cope with stressful situations. This makes sense when we take into consideration the high amount of stress that the body is put under during strenuous exercise. So, if you yourself are sedentary, then engaging in some form of aerobic exercise may be able to significantly help reduce your symptoms of hodophobia by making it much easier for you to cope with the anxiety and stress that’s associated with this condition.

There are many different aerobic modalities that you can partake in to help reduce your symptoms of hodophobia, such as swimming, biking, skiing, walking, and jogging. You can also acquire the many benefits of exercise by playing sports such as tennis, soccer, basketball, and racquetball, among many other sports. Engaging in some form of exercise consistently may be able to help relieve some of the pain associated with hodophobia over time.

Yoga Sessions for Hodophobia

There are numerous different yoga poses that can substantially benefit someone who is suffering from hodophobia. In part, this is due to the meditative state of mind that yoga tends to emit in those who practice it on a consistent basis. Yoga can be thought of as meditation in motion. It can help to relieve some of the anxiety associated with hodophobia due to the mere fact that by engaging in yoga, your attention will be redirected to something more productive.

There are many different types of yoga that someone with hodophobia can benefit from, such as hatha yoga or hot yoga, among many others. Nevertheless, regardless of the many different forms of yoga that exist, virtually all of them can help to relieve some of the stress and anxiety that is associated with hodophobia.

If you have never practiced yoga before, then it may be in your best interest to take a class or watch some guided videos that can help you through each pose. Just like with meditation, the more you practice yoga, the more adept you will become at it. Besides helping you to reduce your symptoms of hodophobia, you can also expect to acquire increased strength and flexibility, among other benefits.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Hodophobia

MBSR is an 8-week evidence-based program that offers secular, intensive mindfulness training to help people who are suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, and other sorts of mental anguish. MBSR may be able to significantly help someone who is suffering from hodophobia as mindfulness meditation has been shown to be very beneficial for anxious people. In such a structured program, someone with hodophobia can expect to learn a plethora of different skills that can help them to relieve the intense anxiety that’s associated with their specific phobia.

Talk to your doctor or therapist to see if MBSR can help you to reduce the intensity of your symptoms of hodophobia, as well as where to find MBSR programs in your area.

Psychiatric Medications for Hodophobia

Anti-anxiety meds

These types of medications are very useful to help prevent panic attacks. Such drugs can be extremely useful for people suffering from severe hodophobia due to the fact that people with phobias often experience panic attacks as well. Some common anti-anxiety medications include Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin, among many others.

These types of drugs are not typically taken on a daily basis, but they may be insofar as their hodophobia is severe enough. However, this is something that you should first discuss with your doctor before you decide to do so to ensure that it is safe and effective.

Antidepressants

These types of medications aren’t only for people who suffer from depression as they can also help people suffering from anxiety disorders as well, such as hodophobia. Some common antidepressants are Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro, among several others. These drugs may be able to help reduce some of the symptoms of hodophobia.

These types of drugs are typically taken on a daily basis. They can indeed help prevent panic attacks from occurring, but they are more so used to help reduce people’s daily anxiety. Talk to your doctor to see if taking antidepressants can help to reduce your symptoms of hodophobia, as well as whether or not it is safe to do so.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Hodophobia

CBT is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve one’s mental health. It is a modality that is often used to treat people suffering from anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and OCD. Someone with hodophobia may also be able to benefit from CBT as well seeing as how it would allow them to have a much better understanding as to why they think and behave the way they do in relation to their irrational fears.

CBT can be immensely helpful for someone with hodophobia given the sheer automaticity of their symptoms. For example, when someone with hodophobia is exposed to their fear, they will almost always have an instantaneous subconscious reaction to their fear. Such a lack of introspection is likely a large part of why someone with this condition will suffer to the extent that they will. CBT can help you to take a step back and analyze your fears more deeply than you typically would.

Besides learning to be more fastidious with regards to understanding one’s specific fears, someone with hodophobia engaging in CBT can also expect to learn various other skills aimed at helping to relieve the anxiety caused by their condition.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Hodophobia

DBT is a very effective form of treatment for people struggling with emotion regulation. It is often used to treat people suffering from borderline personality disorder. Nevertheless, it can also be very advantageous for someone suffering from anxiety disorders like hodophobia too. This is due to the numerous amount of coping skills you can expect to learn in a  DBT group . These groups typically last about 6 months long and can have anywhere from two people to several people depending on how many join the group.

One very effective DBT skill for helping someone with hodophobia is half-smiling. This technique works by having you think about that which you fear or upsets you all while slightly raising the corners of your mouth by lightly smiling, thus the term “half-smiling.” Although, it isn’t enough to just think about your fear while half-smiling, you also have to try and refrain from entertaining those painful emotions that your specific fear may evoke.

Mindfulness meditation is also heavily used in DBT and can greatly benefit someone with hodophobia as it is done in a group setting, which helps to put the patient out of their comfort zone. These group mindfulness practices may include drinking warm tea to hone in on the sense of taste and tactile senses or simply focusing on the breath.

Coping ahead is another very useful DBT skill that can help someone with hodophobia. With coping ahead, you will want to find a place where you can sit down quietly without distraction. Close your eyes and then think about the many different possible scenarios where you would face your specific fear and overcome it or cope with it. Doing so will help you to be much better adept at coping with your hodophobia when you are actually exposed to the specific fear associated with it in real life.

Meditation Practice for Hodophobia

There are many different forms of meditation that exists which can be very advantageous for someone suffering from hodophobia. Specifically, mindfulness meditation has been shown to be quite beneficial for helping people to enter into a more equanimous state. There are many different ways with which you can implement mindfulness meditation and there are also many different meditation apps which are designed to make things as easy as possible for you.

Mindfulness has the potential to significantly help those suffering from hodophobia due to how it will help one to distract themselves from their fear by refocusing their attention onto something else that does not have any sort of emotional baggage attached to it, such as by focusing on the breath for example. This is one of the most basic ways that one can meditate and be present.

For someone with hodophobia in the midst of a panic attack, redirecting one’s attention to the various sensations felt when breathing can actually help to reduce the amount of mental anguish experienced during such an influx of anxiety.

To implement mindfulness meditation to help relieve one’s symptoms of hodophobia, you can do so by paying close attention to the way the muscles in your abdomen and chest contract and relax with every inhale and exhale. You can spend time dwelling on how it feels as your chest expands during each inhale and how it sinks in with every exhale.

Besides focusing on your breathing, you can also focus on the sounds around you, the way your skin feels as you touch certain objects, the way foods taste, as well as the way certain aromas smell. Essentially, honing into your 5 senses can significantly help you to reduce some of the anxiety that is associated with hodophobia. Also, remember that it will take a lot of practice to become an adept meditator. So, practice is key.

Control Caffeine Consumption for Hodophobia

It is no secret that consuming large amounts of caffeine throughout the day can aid in making you more anxious. This makes sense when we look closely at how caffeine affects our body’s physiology. When we consume a high dose of caffeine, our heart will start to beat faster and we become more tense. Essentially, our body will begin to go into a “fight or flight” state of mind. Such a frame of mind is often a precursor for someone with hodophobia to experience panic attacks.

So, consuming little to no caffeine throughout the day may be able to significantly help reduce your day to day anxiety. Although doing so will likely not make all of your anxiety go away, it will indeed help you to reduce any unnecessary suffering that you would have otherwise experienced if you were to consume a large amount of caffeine.

Beverages like coffee and tea are often high in caffeine, as well as some energy drinks. In fact, even some foods have caffeine in them as well, such as dark chocolate. Being more conscious of your daily caffeine consumption may help you to reduce some of the symptoms associated with hodophobia.

If you think you may be suffering from some of the symptoms of this condition, then you may benefit from therapy . Feel free to reach out to your doctor or local mental health clinic to see what your available options are and to see if there is any sort of discount or promo code available to help you with the costs of treatment , as well as if your health insurance will cover treatment costs.

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6 Ways to Cope With the Fear of Traveling

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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The fear of traveling is known as hodophobia. The phobia manifests itself in numerous ways, from hesitancy to travel to new places to a near-inability to leave the home. Some people are afraid only of specific methods of transportation, such as planes or trains, while others fear being a passenger on all types of trips. Some people fear the chaos and confusion that they experience when they travel.

Symptoms of Hodophobia

Like all phobias, hodophobia often causes physical symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, or crying. You may also experience  gastrointestinal distress  and headaches. There can be a flood of worry-thoughts and emotional symptoms of fear, dread, and panic.

Hodophobia often makes it difficult to perform the necessary tasks involved in a trip. You might find it tough to navigate the airport or cruise terminal, deal with checking your luggage, follow security procedures, and wait patiently in the event of a delay. You might become confused when checking into a hotel room, reading a map, or deciding where to eat.

Tips for Coping With a Fear of Traveling

Although it is best to consult with a mental health professional for any phobia, many people find that planning and organization can help combat mild symptoms of hodophobia.

• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs. Although it is tempting to take a sleeping pill or have a few glasses of wine and sleep through your trip, self-medicating can actually make you feel worse. Do not take anything without checking with your physician, and pay close attention to any special instructions the doctor provides.
• Learn What to Expect. Search the Internet for information on your hotel. Look at deck plans for your cruise ship or seating charts for your plane or train. Learn where important facilities and amenities are located. Familiarize yourself with security procedures, and be sure not to pack anything that is prohibited.
• Plan Your Route. If you are driving to your destination, sit down with a map and plan how far you will travel each day. Make hotel reservations and note the locations of nearby restaurants. If you are traveling by public carrier, such as a ship or a plane, confirm your bookings a few days before you leave. Allow plenty of time to arrive early and make a backup plan in case of delays.
• Rest and Hydrate. Get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to your trip. Carry water throughout your journey along with a few salty snacks. Exhaustion and dehydration make it more difficult to face challenges.
• Take a Friend. If possible, avoid traveling alone. A companion can help you stay calm and handle details such as checking bags or hailing a taxi. A friend may also run interference if you need time alone to calm down.
• Visualize. In your mind's eye, picture yourself walking through all the major steps in your journey. Watch yourself stroll through the airport, sit at your gate, and board the plane. Imagine yourself effortlessly negotiating city traffic and finding the perfect parking spot. Visualizing success builds confidence and reduces stress.

Phobias Related to Hodophobia

Hodophobia is sometimes confused with agoraphobia , but there are important differences. In agoraphobia, the specific fear is of being trapped during a panic attack. In hodophobia, the specific fear is of the travel itself. The difference is subtle and may be difficult to recognize.

Hodophobia is often linked to a variety of other disorders. Fears of flying , cruise ships , trains , and driving are sometimes at the heart of hodophobia. Claustrophobia , risk aversion, the fear of authority, and even performance anxiety sometimes play a role in this fear.

Treatment For Hodophobia

If your symptoms are severe and making your life difficult, you might consider seeing a therapist. One of the most effective forms of therapy for a phobia is cognitive-behavioral therapy , which offers a variety of strategies to help you overcome your fears. One popular method is known as systematic desensitization which helps you gently and gradually face your fears as you learn to use relaxation techniques .

You can also talk to your doctor about taking medication in addition to psychotherapy.

If you or a loved one are struggling with hodophobia, you can contact the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline  at  1-800-662-4357  for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our  National Helpline Database .

A Word From Verywell

Being overwhelmed by the thought of travel and all that it entails may lead you to avoid traveling altogether. But, you may be missing out on special occasions, important opportunities, and extra joy in life. If you have mild symptoms of anxiety when you travel, there are many do-it-yourself strategies to help make the process go more smoothly. Getting a travel partner can be particularly helpful. If your symptoms are severe and include panic attacks, getting a therapist who specializes in phobias will help you overcome your fear and regain your freedom to travel.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th Ed., Text Revision (DSM 5-TR); 2022.

By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics.

Overcoming Car Passenger Anxiety: Your Roadmap to Relaxation in 2023

Are You Haunted by Car Passenger Anxiety Symptoms Every Time You Buckle Up?

If you’ve ever felt your heart race, palms sweat, or a sense of dread wash over you as a passenger in a car, you’re not alone. These are classic car passenger anxiety symptoms that many people experience but often overlook. Understanding and addressing this form of anxiety is crucial, not just for your mental well-being but also for your safety and that of others on the road.

Dealing with Fear of Driving – What You Need to Know

The open road can be a symbol of freedom and adventure for some, but for others, it’s a nerve-wracking experience filled with car passenger anxiety symptoms. Whether it’s a lack of control, past traumatic experiences, or an irrational fear, passenger anxiety is a real issue that affects millions of people. The importance of tackling this subject cannot be overstated, as it has a direct impact on your quality of life and can even strain relationships with those you often share a car with.

So, why is this topic so relevant today? With the rise of road trips and local travel, especially in the post-pandemic world, being comfortable in a car is more essential than ever. Moreover, as autonomous vehicles inch closer to becoming a reality, understanding and mitigating passenger anxiety will become increasingly important.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for solutions. The good news is that there are effective ways to manage and even overcome this form of anxiety. From cognitive behavioral therapy to simple mindfulness techniques, options are available.

So, are you ready to take back the passenger seat and enjoy the journey as much as the destination? Your road to overcoming car passenger anxiety starts here, and it’s a ride worth taking.

Understanding Amaxophobia and Driving Anxiety

The medical term for car anxiety, particularly when it comes to being a passenger, is “Amaxophobia.” This term encompasses a range of fears related to traveling in a car, whether you’re the driver or the passenger. It’s not just a simple fear; it’s a phobia that can have a significant impact on your daily life.

The Prevalence of Amaxophobia

Amaxophobia is more common than you might think. According to various studies, approximately 20-30% of the population experiences some form of driving-related anxiety. That’s nearly one in three people who feel uneasy, anxious, or downright terrified when faced with the prospect of getting into a car.

Differentiating Between Amaxophobia and Driving Anxiety

While the terms are often used interchangeably, Amaxophobia and driving anxiety are not the same. Amaxophobia is a more severe form of anxiety that can lead to panic attacks and complete avoidance of cars. On the other hand, driving anxiety is a milder form that may cause discomfort but doesn’t necessarily prevent you from getting into a car.

Here’s a comprehensive study that delves into the nuances between Amaxophobia and driving anxiety, providing valuable insights into both conditions.

Do I Have Driving Phobia

If you find yourself avoiding car rides, experiencing panic attacks, or feeling an overwhelming sense of dread at the thought of being a passenger in a car, you might be dealing with Amaxophobia. On the other hand, if you feel anxious but can still manage to get into a car, it’s more likely that you have driving anxiety.

To diagnose your condition accurately, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Identifying the Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward addressing car passenger anxiety symptoms effectively. Symptoms can manifest in various ways, including psychological, behavioral, and physiological indicators. Let’s delve into each category to help you identify whether you or someone you know is experiencing this form of anxiety.

Psychological Indicators

Psychological symptoms are often the first to appear and can include:

• Excessive worry or fear about being in a car
• Intrusive thoughts or vivid images of car accidents
• Feeling a loss of control or impending doom
• Avoidance of conversations about driving or cars
• If you find yourself constantly worrying about the next car ride, or if the thought of being a passenger makes you feel uneasy, these could be red flags.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral symptoms can be more apparent to others and may include:

• Avoiding car rides whenever possible
• Asking multiple safety questions before getting into a car
• Seeking reassurance from the driver
• Using coping mechanisms like deep breathing or gripping the seat
• If you notice these behaviors in yourself or someone else, it’s worth exploring further. Behavioral signs are often the most visible indicators of underlying anxiety.

This table can serve as a quick reference guide for identifying the signs and symptoms you or someone else may be experiencing.

Caption: A table summarizing the different types of symptoms associated with car passenger anxiety.

Physiological Responses

Physiological symptoms are physical reactions your body may have, such as:

• Sweating or clammy hands
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• These physical symptoms are often involuntary and can occur even when you’re consciously trying to remain calm.

Explaining the Causes

Understanding the root causes of car passenger anxiety symptoms can be a complex process. Various factors contribute to this form of anxiety, ranging from past experiences to existing mental health conditions and even genetic predispositions. Let’s delve into these causes to provide a comprehensive understanding of why this anxiety occurs.

Past Experiences and Trauma

Why Do I Have Anxiety as a Passenger in a Car? One of the most common reasons people develop car passenger anxiety is due to past experiences or traumas. This could be a result of a car accident, a near-miss, or even witnessing an accident. These experiences can leave a lasting impression, causing heightened anxiety whenever you’re in a car.

Anxiety When Husband Drives

Interestingly, anxiety can also be specific to certain drivers. For example , you may feel anxious only when your husband drives but not with other drivers. This could be due to past experiences where you felt unsafe or uncomfortable while he was driving, leading to a conditioned response of anxiety.

Existing Anxiety Disorders

People with existing anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder are more prone to developing specific phobias, including car passenger anxiety. The anxiety is not just limited to car rides but is part of a broader anxiety condition that affects various aspects of life.

Environmental and Genetic Factors

Lastly, environmental and genetic factors can also play a significant role in shaping your mental landscape. If you were raised in a setting where anxiety or phobias were prevalent, your susceptibility to these conditions might be heightened. Moreover, cutting-edge research suggests that certain genetic markers can predispose individuals to anxiety disorders, adding another layer to this intricate puzzle.

To provide a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors, the table below summarizes key research findings in this area:

Research Summary Table

Diagnosis and Testing

Getting a proper diagnosis for your car passenger anxiety symptoms is a pivotal milestone on your path to effective treatment and management. A well-rounded diagnosis serves not only as a validation of your lived experiences but also as a roadmap for targeted interventions. This chapter will guide you through the various diagnostic methods available and shed light on the specific phobias often interlinked with car passenger anxiety.

By adhering to these guidelines, we strive to offer a comprehensive and engaging guide that demystifies the underlying causes of your car passenger anxiety symptoms. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate this challenge and relish a more comfortable, stress-free experience on the road.

Methods for Diagnosis

Diagnosing car passenger anxiety often involves a multi-faceted approach that may include psychological assessments, interviews, and sometimes even medical tests to rule out other conditions. Here are some common methods:

Clinical Interviews

A one-on-one interview with a mental health professional can provide valuable insights into your condition. During the interview, you may be asked about your medical history, past experiences with cars, and specific triggers that exacerbate your anxiety. This information helps the clinician form a comprehensive understanding of your condition.

Sample Clinical Assessment Questions:

Have you ever experienced a panic attack while being a passenger in a car?

Do you avoid certain routes or types of vehicles due to your anxiety?

Can you describe a specific incident where your car passenger anxiety was at its worst?

Psychological Assessments

Psychological assessments often involve standardized questionnaires designed to measure the severity and frequency of your symptoms. These assessments can be crucial for diagnosing car passenger anxiety accurately.

Sample Psychological Assessment Questions:

• On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your anxiety level when you know you will be a passenger in a car?
• Do you experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or nausea when you’re a passenger in a car?
• How often do you find yourself making excuses to avoid being a passenger in a car?

These questions are designed to provide the healthcare provider with a nuanced understanding of your condition, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Medical Tests

Though less common, medical tests like blood tests or neurological assessments may be conducted to rule out other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. For example, an overactive thyroid can sometimes mimic symptoms of anxiety.

Associated Phobias

Car passenger anxiety doesn’t always exist in isolation. It can often be associated with other phobias or anxiety disorders. Understanding these associations can be crucial for effective treatment.

Agoraphobia

Some people experience agoraphobia alongside car passenger anxiety. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, such as being in a moving car on a highway.

Claustrophobia

The confined space of a car can trigger claustrophobia, another phobia that is often associated with car passenger anxiety. Claustrophobia is the fear of being in closed or small spaces.

Though less common, some people experience acrophobia, or the fear of heights, especially when driving through elevated areas like bridges or mountains.

Here is My Complete Video To Guide you More :

Complete Overview:

Treatment Options

Navigating through the maze of car passenger anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming, but the good news is that various treatment options are available. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive guide to medical and psychological therapies that can help you manage and potentially overcome your anxiety.

Medical Treatments

When it comes to treating car passenger anxiety, medication is often considered a viable option, especially for those who experience severe symptoms. However, medication is generally recommended as a short-term solution or as a supplement to other forms of treatment like psychotherapy.

Common Medications

Antidepressants: SSRIs like Prozac or Zoloft are often prescribed for anxiety disorders, including car passenger anxiety. These medications can take a few weeks to become fully effective.

Benzodiazepines: Drugs like Xanax or Valium can provide immediate relief from acute anxiety symptoms but are generally not recommended for long-term treatment due to the potential for dependency.

Beta Blockers: These are often used off-label for anxiety and can be effective in treating the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat or trembling.

Psychological Therapies

Psychological therapies often provide the most sustainable results for treating car passenger anxiety. These therapies aim to change your thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with being a passenger in a car.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective psychological treatments for anxiety disorders, including car passenger anxiety. It focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety and replacing them with healthier, more rational alternatives.

How Do I Get Rid of Car Ride Anxiety Using CBT

Answer: One of the most effective techniques within the realm of CBT for tackling car ride anxiety is exposure therapy. This method involves a structured plan where you are gradually exposed to the situation that triggers your anxiety—in this case, car rides.

The process starts with less anxiety-provoking situations, such as sitting in a stationary car. Gradually, the exposure becomes more challenging, like going on short drives around the block, then longer drives, and eventually highway driving. The idea is to desensitize you to the anxiety triggers over time.

During these exposure sessions, you’ll also learn coping mechanisms like deep breathing, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring to manage your anxiety in real-time. These techniques help you challenge your irrational fears and replace them with more balanced thoughts.

By consistently practicing exposure therapy along with other CBT techniques, you can significantly reduce, and possibly even eliminate, your car ride anxiety. The goal is to make you more comfortable and confident while being a passenger in a car, allowing you to enjoy the ride rather than dread it.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep-breathing exercises can help you become aware of your thoughts and feelings and make it easier to control your anxiety symptoms.

How do I stop passenger anxiety

Mindfulness techniques can be used in the moment to help reduce immediate symptoms. For example, the “4-7-8” breathing technique involves inhaling through the nose for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling through the mouth for 8 seconds.

Both medical and psychological treatments have their merits, and often a combination of both provides the most effective relief from car passenger anxiety symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan tailored to your need

Comparison of Medical and Psycological Treatments:

This table aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Medical and Psychological Treatments, detailing their pros and cons to give you a better understanding of what each approach offers. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

Living and Managing

Living with car passenger anxiety can be a daily struggle, but there are ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. This chapter will guide you through self-help strategies, knowing when to consult a doctor, and the questions you should ask during your medical consultation.

Self-Help Strategies

How to stop anxiety in the car.

Deep Breathing: Practicing deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.

Distraction Techniques: Keep your mind busy by listening to calming music or engaging in conversation.

Positive Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine positive scenarios to divert your mind from anxious thoughts.

How to Overcome Fear of Being a Passenger in a Car

Gradual Exposure: Start with short rides and gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable.

Seek Support: Share your fears with someone you trust and consider having them accompany you during rides.

Set Boundaries: Communicate your comfort level to the driver and request that they avoid certain triggers like high speeds or busy roads.

When Should I Call the Doctor

If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, causing you to avoid cars altogether, or if self-help strategies aren’t working, it’s time to consult a doctor. Medical intervention can provide you with a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Diagnosis: What is the formal diagnosis for my symptoms?
• Treatment Options: What are the medical and psychological treatments available for my condition?
• Long-term Management: What steps can I take for long-term management of my symptoms?

By following these guidelines and strategies, you can take proactive steps to manage your car passenger anxiety. Remember, it’s okay to seek professional help. Your journey to a more comfortable and anxiety-free car experience starts with understanding your condition and taking action.

Final Thoughts As Expert:

Finding the right way to deal with feeling anxious when you’re a passenger in a car can be confusing. But the good news is, there are many ways to help you feel better. Some people take medicine to calm down quickly, but this is usually a short-term fix. Medicines like antidepressants or calming pills can help right away but might not solve the problem in the long run. Plus, some of these medicines can be habit-forming, which isn’t good.

On the other side, talking to a therapist can help you understand why you feel anxious and teach you ways to feel better without medicine. Methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness help you understand your thoughts and teach you how to control your anxiety. This way, you learn skills that can help you for a lifetime. But remember, you have to be willing to work on these skills for them to work best for you.

Cost is something else to think about. Medicine can be expensive over time, while therapy might cost more at first but teaches you skills you can use forever. Also, therapy can be customized just for you, while medicine is more of a one-size-fits-all solution.

Sometimes, using both medicine and therapy together works best. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you, especially if you have severe symptoms or other health issues.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a quick fix, medicine might be the answer, but it usually doesn’t solve the problem for good. Therapy, on the other hand, can give you the tools to understand and control your anxiety for a long time. The best choice depends on what you need and how severe your anxiety is. By understanding both options, you’ll be better prepared to make a choice that helps you feel more comfortable and less stressed when riding in a car.

Best Exam Tips for Maternity Nursing Students in 2023

How to get into nursing program in 2023|scope,mistakes and challenges.

Hello! I'm Professor D, and I've been teaching at Nexus Nursing Institute for several years. My passion is helping students understand complex nursing topics, from heart disorders to mental health. I always aim to break down challenging subjects so they're easy for everyone to understand. I genuinely care about each student's success and often go the extra mile to ensure they grasp the concepts. As you browse through this blog, you'll come across many articles I've written, sharing my knowledge and insights. I'm thrilled to be a part of this community and to help guide your learning journey!

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Travel Phobia: Effective Strategies to Overcome Travel Fear

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What Is Travel Anxiety, and What Can You Do About It?

Experts say ignoring your stress only makes it worse. here’s what you can do.

Jaimie Seaton,

When returning home from a trip to the Bahamas for my 40th birthday, I found myself on a small prop plane, violently bouncing and bumping through a thunderstorm in pitch darkness. My husband and daughter were at the back of the plane and I was in the front with my toddler son. At a certain point, I became so convinced that the plane was going down that I asked the woman across the aisle to take care of my son if I had a panic attack .

We landed safely, but I’ve had travel anxiety, including fear of flying, ever since. I’ve continued to fly, but instead of sitting by the window and marveling at the experience, I sit on the aisle and pretend I’m not in an airplane. I imagine I’m being magically whisked to my destination. Before takeoff, I listen to a book, and during takeoff, I close my eyes, breathe deeply and focus on my destination .

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I’m not alone. Travel anxiety and fear of flying are common, says Lisa Wilson, a licensed independent clinical social worker and associate at the Center for Travel Anxiety in Washington, D.C. About 25 million adults in the U.S. have a fear of flying, and about 40 million Americans are living with an anxiety disorder, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Travel anxiety refers to a feeling of worry or fear around traveling. It can happen before you go or while you’re traveling. Some people develop travel anxiety after a specific event; others can’t identify a cause. You may have traveled by car, train or plane for decades without concern and suddenly develop a sense of panic or anxiety , Wilson says. 

When that occurs, she says it’s best to address the anxiety instead of pretending it’s not happening.

Wilson says the symptoms of travel anxiety are distinctive to the person rather than the form of travel. They tend to be the physiological symptoms associated with the fight-or-flight response, “because fundamentally, what we’re talking about in terms of panic or anxiety, we’re talking about the body’s response to a perceived threat,” she says.

These symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, tension in the shoulders or elsewhere in the body, sweating, nausea, a feeling that you can’t breathe, pressure in the head and an irresistible urge to move your limbs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and travel anxiety overall can stop you from making plans and traveling altogether.

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Address the anxiety

“If you notice that [you] are making decisions based on [your] anxiety, it’s time to get help,” says Wilson. She adds that you don’t have to wait until your travel anxiety is affecting your plans. If you’re starting to feel discomfort about travel, that’s a good time to reach out for help too.

Jonathan Bricker, a University of Washington psychologist who has studied the fear of flying for more than 20 years, says aviophobia is a hodgepodge of different phobias that converge on an airplane. There are people who are afraid of dying in a plane crash, those who are claustrophobic and those who fear having a panic attack and not being able to escape or get help (agoraphobia). He adds that it’s very common for people to have more than one disorder.

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Bricker, who treats people for aviophobia, advises making a flight plan (see sidebar) so you — not the airports or airlines — are in charge of your travel. He also says to face your fears and recommends looking at YouTube videos of people taking ordinary flights (avoid incident or crash videos). “The goal is to open up, be open to the fact that you’re going to have … these physical reactions … and to let them just come and go,” Bricker says.

Wilson advises being attentive to the experience of anxiety and responding quickly before it gets out of control by utilizing supports such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and listening to podcasts and books to return to a state of calm. She advises figuring out what methods work best for you and using them during the trip. 

A recent study on stress found that a majority of people age 45 and older ignore and/or downplay their stress. This can make travel and flight anxiety worse, says Wilson, because they’re layering avoidance on top of the stress. So you need to dissolve the avoidance to remove the stress .

“The key is getting effective help to address the concern and get back out there and get to the places and the people [you] love,” Wilson says.

Making a flight plan

Here are tips from Jonathan Bricker, a psychologist who specializes in air travel anxiety, that can help if you have a fear of flying.

1. Identify why you are traveling.  What makes it matter to you? Is it seeing family or friends you care about? Is it traveling with someone who matters to you? Is it seeing places in the world you are curious about?

2. Do  meaningful activities  while you’re traveling.  Rather than just avoid the experience of airports and planes, explore the airport, read an informative book, listen to a podcast or watch an  interesting movie . Do it because you want to, not to distract yourself from your anxiety about flying.

3. Breathe.  Breathe in one full breath. Hold it for three seconds. Release it all the way. Then hold for three seconds. Repeat this cycle three times.

4. Repeat one word.  Before you leave for the airport, take the scary thought (e.g., “crash”) and repeat the word aloud for 90 seconds. Repeat three times. Notice how the word loses its power and meaning over time. 

5. Don’t drink.  The anxiety will rebound after the  alcohol  wears off.

6. Try talking to an exposure therapist.  Do this at least two months before your flight to gradually confront your fears.

7. Try virtual reality.  Work with a therapist who provides virtual reality therapy for fear of flying.

8. Consider medication.  If you must use medication, use only a fast-acting anxiety drug at a low dose, once, and only under your physician’s prescription. This is not a long-term solution, just a way to get you on the plane and on your way.

Jaimie Seaton has lived in and reported from South Africa, the Netherlands, Singapore and Thailand. She’s written on travel for Skift, The Independent and CNN.

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Phobias: Car travel

Fear of car travel – motorphobia.

The fear of travelling by car (automobile) generally has three elements – or sub-phobias

Claustrophobia in which the fear is of being trapped in a traffic jam or in the midst of lanes of traffic on a motorway (freeway) or…

A fear of crashing – which is akin to one type of fear of flying

A fear of not being in control of things i.e. there is little or no fear if the person is, themselves, doing the driving

Fear of car travel and self esteem

Because car travel is so much a part of modern life this fear can have a quite serious affect on one’s self esteem.

So it is important to remain clear that a phobia is not a reflection of your personality or self worth – it is a reflection of what you have learned. You are not your behaviours!

Your phobic habit is just that – a habit that you learned to experience. The fear reaction indicates that at some stage in your life you learned to have an emotional or gut reaction to the stimulus.

Dealing with it

The first stage is to recognise and to affirm to yourself that it is just a behaviour. Yes, it is a very uncomfortable and very inconvenient one but it is, nevertheless, just a learned behaviour.

And what you have learned you can un-learn!

There is little value in wasting  time and money trying to discover the original cause of your fear of car travel. This may satisfy your (or your therapist’s) curiosity but it is not particularly relevant to getting rid of the condition.

Now, as with all phobias, examine how you do it. Yes, of course you don’t do it deliberately but you do do it – even though the process occurs automatically.

It is your brain, your body, and your emotions that are involved – so you do it.

A typical fear-cycle

Once the trigger is encountered you rapidly go through a series of steps. These vary from person to person but will typically involve an escalating cycle such as: think of or see the ‘trigger’ – remember past moments of being uncomfortable in similar situations, begin awfulising self-talk, imagine a disaster movie of what is likely to happen, feel awful. Then you re-run this sequence a number of times faster and faster – and feel terrible. And it all happens automatically!

The mechanics of your fear-cycle

Remember you are studying the ‘mechanics’ of your fear. You are examining how and not why you do it.

It usually involves lots of fearful anticipating – thinking ahead about all the awful things that could or might occur! What if we/I crashed? Wouldn’t it be terrible to be trapped in a mangled wreck! What if someone jumps the next red-light as I cross on green?

Commonly a person with a phobic response will talk to themselves about what might possible happen and/or mentally visualise these uncomfortable events.

This self talk and visualising will activate your body’s fear-handling process – the ‘fight or flight response’ – start the thinking-feeling cycle of discomfort.

Have you noticed how you do it? Great! You are on your way to eradicating the response. (And remember to keep reminding yourself that it is just a learned response and not an illness.)

The rational side of things

You may as well acknowledge that part of your fearful thinking is quite realistic! Car travel is dangerous. And you could have a crash. You could be terribly injured. And no matter how good a driver you or your traveling partner may be someone else could smash into you.

To acknowledge this reality  may seem a bit perverse but it is important that you do so.

And it is important that you also acknowledge the reality of the danger of staying at home – by checking on statistics on the number of accidents that occur in the home. And the dangers of accidents to pedestrians walking about. And the dangers involved in just about any activity you care to think about!

How is it that people, including you, quite happily go about our daily activities despite the danger?

Because, on balance, the likelihood of our becoming involved in an accident is small.

And because we recognise that there is little point in trying to live a life that is entirely free of danger. We weigh up the odds, decide that if it happens so be it but meanwhile we will get on with our lives.

And, having made this decision, we recognise that torturing or terrifying ourselves with scary pictures of what, conceivably might happen is pointless. A typical attitude might go along the lines of If it happens it happens – until then I will just get on with my life.

The trigger(s)

Having dealt with the rational side of things your next step is easy because you’re probably an expert in this area. How do you know when to start the fearful thinking?

To experience the fear you must ‘know’ when to begin the negative thinking (that’s the self talk and visualising I mentioned earlier).

There has to be a trigger that alerts your mind-body that it is time to start the feelings and thoughts. The trigger can be getting into a car or can be even thinking about a past or forthcoming car journey.

So, for you, what is the first thing you see or hear before the whole series of physical and mental mechanisms kick in? (Do remember, it is not what do you first feel – because the feeling is just the result of the negative thinking.)

The question is what you see or hear that results in the fearful feeling! Is it the sight of a car? Or the knowledge that you have to make a particular trip? Or is it simply seeing a car traveling by?

Most people will have more than one trigger. If you do have quite a few simply pick the trigger you most commonly encounter.

Arrange the triggers in a sequence

You have now established the manner in which your fear cycle starts and then spirals upwards into a panic.

Your next step is to eradicate the fear and if you are going to do this by yourself it is best to do so slowly and thoroughly using desensitisation.

Patiently un-learn your way to freedom

Once they know they can get rid of the condition some people spoil their chances of success because of their impatience to get rid of all of their fear triggers immediately NOW!

Even with the assistance of a skilled professional it is likely to take a number of sessions to fully eradicate the fearful habit if you have had it for some time. After all, you’ve been ‘practising’ for months or years.

So allow a realistic amount of time – a few hours with the assistance of a professional and a month or two if you are doing it yourself and practising on a daily basis.

Too long? What’s your hurry? You have had the habit for a long time – what’s another few weeks when you know you are on your way to freedom!

A major west-side road is getting a face-lift, but the travel lanes won’t go on a diet

The road that divides fairpark and rose park has seen 139 crashes and two pedestrian deaths in the past five years. new plans would preserve the corridor’s two lanes in each direction..

(Salt Lake City) A screenshot of a video showing how 600 North could look as the city presses forward on improving the corridor for different types of travel.

Salt Lake City is scrapping a proposal to cut down car lanes on a major west-side road.

Initially, the city proposed reducing the travel lanes along 600-700 North from two to one in each direction, but walked back the concept after some residents said in a survey and meetings that they still often get behind the wheel to get around.

New plans for the stretch that runs from Redwood Road to 800 West were released last week and call for taking advantage of the corridor’s width.

“We’ve used that extra space to create a design that adds high-quality infrastructure improvements like bike lanes and wider sidewalks that better support people who walk and bike while maintaining existing travel lanes for drivers,” city transportation engineer Kyle Cook said in a news release. “It’s not every day that we can do almost everything the community is asking for on a road project, but we have enough room to build the best of all options.”

The road’s redesign comes as the city works to improve alternate transportation options like biking and walking and reconnect the east and west sides. When it’s built, it will join a pedestrian bridge over the train tracks at 300 North and a future public art trail along 400 South as an upgraded west-side corridor.

Besides the two travel lanes in each direction along 600-700 North, the new plans show bike paths separated from the road, new landscaping and enhanced crosswalks with flashing lights. The proposal also calls for replacing aging pavement on the road and preserving on-street parking spaces.

In hopes of limiting crashes and slowing down cars on a road that currently sees at least 15% of drivers going at least 10 mph over the 35 mph speed limit, the design includes extended curbs and a median.

“I’ve had two kids involved in crashes on that road,” said Rose Park Community Council chair Kevin Parke. “We need to slow down that traffic.”

Fears about safety on the road are not unfounded. In the past five years, there have been 139 crashes and two fatal collisions with pedestrians along the busy street.

Respondents to a 2023 city survey largely agreed with Parke. Safety along the road and speeding were the most persistent concerns residents shared.

Those who responded to the survey also said they wanted additional trees, landscaping, better bike routes, upgraded sidewalks, traffic-calming measures and more lighting.

The city’s project team will be refining the design for the rest of the year. Construction is slated to begin next year.

While the city-led project won’t improve access across Interstate 15, a state-led proposal to widen the freeway does include pedestrian- and bike-friendly upgrades to the oft-maligned 600 North overpass .

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When it comes to hitting the road, whether for business or pleasure, the choice of rental car company can make all the difference. With a plethora of options available, each boasting unique benefits and services, how do you decide which to choose? From the ease of booking to the quality of customer service, and the condition of the vehicle itself, every aspect counts. With that in mind, an expert panel has nominated their top picks for the best rental car companies. Which rental car company do you favor? Vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 6 at noon ET. We'll announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.  Read the official  Readers' Choice rules .

When it comes to hitting the road, whether for business or pleasure, the choice of rental car company can make all the difference. With a plethora of options available, each boasting unique benefits and services, how do...   Read More

Best Rental Car Company Nominees

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ACE Rent A Car

Founded in 1966, the Indianapolis-based ACE Rent A Car began their operations with just 10 Volkswagens. Today, the company has expanded far beyond the Hoosier State, with several hundred outposts currently operating in close to 50 different countries.

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Alamo Rent A Car

In business for half a century, Alamo Rent A Car now serves four different continents and the Caribbean, and it even holds the distinction of being the first rental car company to roll out an online booking and check-in system.

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Stemming from humble origins with a three-car fleet in 1946, Avis ballooned into the second-largest vehicle rental company in the United States less than a decade later. Today, the enterprise has expanded far beyond North America with a presence in more than 150 different nations.

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For any vacationers in need of a low-cost vehicle, the aptly-named Budget is armed with a large and diverse fleet of cars. Customers can find roughly 2,700 rental locations scattered across more than 120 countries.

Photo courtesy of Dollar

Dollar Car Rental made its California debut as Dollar Rent A Car in the 1960s. In the modern era, this budget-friendly rental service now operates all throughout the United States and multiple other countries, offering a wide variety of cost-conscious options to customers.

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Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Equipped with thousands of locations, Enterprise Rent-A-Car serves as the one of the largest vehicle rental companies in all of the United States. Though rentals are available to any form of customer, the company is popular with consumers in need of a replacement vehicle while theirs is in the shop.

Photo courtesy of Rostislav_Sedlacek / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Fox Rent a Car

Equipped with a wide fleet of vehicles that spans from family-friendly SUVs to high-speed sports cars, Fox Rent a Car is able to service customers in multiple U.S. states as well as a wide array of countries around the world.

Photo courtesy of Hertz

Operating for more than a century, Hertz has developed into one of the planet's largest car rental companies, equipped with hundreds of thousands of vehicles and multiple rental facilities located on all six inhabited continents. 

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Rather than forcing customers to travel to a far-off rental facility, Kyte skirts the process by delivering a vehicle straight to their home while a streamlined app provides updates and instructions along the way.

Photo courtesy of gehringj / iStock / Getty Images Plus

National Car Rental

While National Car Rental is available to all forms of traveler, the company is particularly popular with frequent fliers due to the Emerald Club. The loyalty membership allows participants to quickly attain their vehicle without many of the typical steps that come with rental agreements.

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Payless Car Rental

Operating more than 100 different venues across both the Americas and Europe, with many locations at major airports, Payless Car Rental is a go-to option for those looking for a budget-friendly vehicle for their vacation.

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Priceless Car Rental

Priceless Car Rental has been serving budget-conscious renters since the tail end of the 1990s, offering sedans, vans, trucks, and even RVs for customers embarking on a lengthy road trip.

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Rent-A-Wreck

Rather than purchase new vehicles, Rent-A-Wreck has carved their niche in the industry by obtaining used cars, vans, and trucks — a strategy that's allowed the company to establish a strong presence in both the United States and Scandinavia.

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German rental company SIXT made its debut in the state of Bavaria in 1912, ultimately amassing a diverse portfolio of vehicles and a presence across many major U.S. and European cities.

Photo courtesy of Thrifty

A popular option for budget travelers snagging a vehicle at the airport, Thrifty has amassed a wide range of sedans, SUVs, and trucks since their initial launch in 1958.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Jenny Peters

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Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival...   Read More

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival Guide  (being released May 25, 2021) and  the founder of 2TravelDads , the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. 2TravelDads blazes the way for other two-dad and two-mom families to travel to previously overlooked destinations or places we as gay people would normally avoid. We share the struggles we've faced and the surprising gems and welcomes we've had along the way. Traveling as a family is one thing, traveling as an LGBT family is completely something else.

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

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Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

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During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

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Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

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If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

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