Lateral acceleration is defined as the rate of change in side-to-side velocity, also known as yaw. When driving a car through a curve, lateral acceleration causes the body to move from left to right, right to left, back and forth, causing the passenger's body to experience sensations that are similar to those experienced during sexual intercourse. This can be explained by the psychosexual theory proposed by Sigmund Freud, which suggests that all humans have childhood fixations on different parts of their bodies based on their stage of development.

An infant who was constantly held close to the mother's breast may develop a fixation on breasts, while a toddler who was often carried around may develop a fixation on legs. As they grow older, these individuals may associate specific areas of the body with pleasure, arousal, and intimacy, and this can lead to fetishes or other forms of eroticism.

During cornering, when the vehicle experiences lateral acceleration, it creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for the passenger, much like foreplay does before sex. The body shifts back and forth, creating a rhythmic motion that can be very stimulating. In addition, the sound of the engine revving up can create an erotic atmosphere, making the entire experience more exciting. For some drivers, the feeling of control and power over the vehicle can also evoke feelings of dominance and masculinity, which can be sexually arousing. The combination of these factors makes driving an exhilarating experience, especially if the driver has a fetish for cars or mechanics.

Not everyone experiences lateral acceleration in the same way. Some people may find it uncomfortable or even scary, and it can cause nausea or dizziness.

Certain types of car designs, such as convertibles, can make the experience less exciting because there is no roof to block out outside distractions. Nevertheless, many drivers enjoy the sensations created by yaw, and they seek out vehicles with high levels of lateral acceleration. This can be seen in the popularity of sports cars and racing cars, both of which are designed to provide maximum thrills during cornering.

Lateral acceleration in automobiles can evoke subconscious erotic anticipation due to its resemblance to sexual intercourse.

This response varies from person to person, and some individuals may not feel comfortable with it at all.

The psychosexual theory provides insight into why some people might associate lateral acceleration with arousal and intimacy, while others do not.