Experts believe one in seven people in the United Kingdom suffer from a phobia, with some leaving sufferers unable to carry out everyday tasks many of us take for granted.
And now leading vehicle leasing firm Select Car Leasing has identified more than a dozen specific phobias that are preventing some of us from even stepping foot into a vehicle.
Graham Conway, General Manager of Select Car Leasing, said:
“Many of us don’t think twice about getting behind the wheel as it has become such a regular part of our lives. However, some people aren’t so fortunate and their inability to get into a vehicle for a variety of reasons can cause major disruption to their daily routines. Common phobias such as a fear of being in enclosed spaces and being afraid of advanced technology are preventing many Britons from being able to get around easily.
“There is no shame in having a phobia that deeply impacts your life, but many of these fears can be tackled by seeking help from experienced professionals.”
The NHS website states an estimated 10 million people in the UK suffer from a phobia and that they can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or background.
Some of the most common fears include heights, spiders, snakes and flying, while others can be as niche as colours, numbers and even dancing.
Select Car Leasing has compiled 13 phobias that are preventing would-be motorists or passengers from getting into a vehicle.
These include motorphobia, which is a fear of automobiles in general, and traumatophobia, which leaves people scared of being injured.
Top 13 phobias that affect drivers and passengers
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. It’s a major 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 computerised 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 highway.
Chionophobia: The fear of snow. If you don’t like winter because of the snow, you probably don’t enjoy driving in the white stuff 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.
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