A driver has a significantly higher risk of getting involved in a crash or collision when he or she is experiencing highway hypnosis. The driver can still perform the driving task in this state. With his or her conscious attention elsewhere, any risky situations or variations to the driving settings that happen are likely to go undetected. While highway hypnosis occurs frequently, it can result in serious or deadly car accidents.

What is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis, also known as white line fever, is a condition that causes drivers to go into a trance-like state. It mostly happens when a driver stays behind the wheel too long. Looking at the white line on the highway can trigger a hypnotic affect. A driver experiencing the condition may drive the car in a usual, safe style, but he or she won’t remember doing so later.

What are the Causes of Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis happens when there is a drop in the speed and frequency of communication among different parts of the brain. This change significantly lowers driver reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents. If a long-distance driver comes out of a trance and quickly notices that he or she cannot completely recall the last couple of miles or hours driven, then the driver might have undergone highway hypnosis.

Driving tired, fatigued, or sleepy can increase the risk of a driver experiencing highway hypnosis. This is especially true for fatigued delivery drivers who spend many hours on the road in an attempt to meet the high demand for supplies and strict deadlines.

The kind of road the driver is on can also cause a hypnotic affect. If he or she is driving for several hours on a straight roadway with a few stops or turns, then his or her brain is likely to go into a half-conscious state. A roadway with regular stops and/or changes in the environment can prevent highway hypnosis by keeping the driver’s brain fully conscious. Roads that a driver uses more frequently can also cause a hypnotic affect.

Preventing Highway Hypnosis

Taking Frequent Breaks

Stopping for quick rest breaks while driving is an effective way to prevent highway hypnosis. Stepping out of the vehicle and brisk walking or doing some light stretches for a few minutes can be instrumental in minimizing the drowsiness caused by many hours of highway driving.

Eating Lightly

Eating heavily before getting in the car for a long drive can make a driver feel a bit drowsy. Eating lightly instead and packing some snacks for the road is a wise idea. Greens and light proteins are better at increasing alertness compared to heavy carbs.

Getting Enough, Restful Sleep

Tired drivers are more likely to experience highway hypnosis. Getting sufficient, restful sleep before stepping in the car for a long road trip can help reduce the risk of a driver entering a trance-like state.

A person who has been injured in a traffic violation or accident caused by highway hypnosis has the right to bring a car accident claim against the liable driver or his or her insurer. A car accident attorney can protect the rights of the injured party and help him or her get maximum compensation.