What is tachophobia?
Tachophobia is the irrational fear of speed. People with tachophobia are afraid of moving at a quick pace. They may fear riding roller coasters, driving, biking or even walking too fast.
Some people with tachophobia may avoid quick-moving transit at all costs. For example, they may refuse to ride airplanes, buses or trains. In some cases, people may refuse to leave their homes for fear of encountering a fast-moving car or bus.
Tachophobia is a type of specific phobia. A specific phobia is an overwhelming fear of something that isn’t actually a significant threat. Many people who have specific phobias know the fear is irrational. But it can still be challenging to control symptoms.
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Who might get tachophobia?
Tachophobia can be related to other fears, such as the fear of driving (amaxophobia). Or people may have a fear of dying in a speeding vehicle. You’re more likely to develop tachophobia if you have:
- Family history of tachophobia.
- Family member who has an anxiety disorder.
- Negative past experiences with moving fast, such as being in a car accident.
How common is tachophobia?
Experts don’t know exactly how many people have tachophobia. In general, about 12.5% of adults in the United States deal with a specific phobia at some point in their life. Women are about twice as likely as men to have a specific phobia.
