The fear of riding in a car is known as Amaxophobia. This can manifest itself in different ways, including backseat driving, intense anxiety, or avoidance.
Fear of riding in a car is linked with loss of control. When someone else is at the wheel, we relinquish control to them. Some people can’t handle the idea of placing their personal safety in the hands of another person, whether they are a friend, family member, or relative stranger.
Many people with this phobia will take their fears out on the vehicle’s driver through the annoying habit of backseat driving. Haranguing the driver about potential dangers and problems with their driving may provide some release to those with Amaxophobia, but it can be a very negative, and even compulsive, habit.
Backseat driving can actually provoke more driving mistakes, by distracting the attention of the person behind the wheel. It can also have a very negative impact on personal relationships.
The symptoms of the fear of riding in cars will include a sense of panic and loss of control. Headaches, dizziness, and other facets of panic attacks will be experienced when the phobia person is confronted with triggers. Nausea and terror may cause the person to become quite debilitated when faced with the prospect of riding in cars.