Have you ever arrived at a destination after driving for a long time, only to realize that you have no recollection of driving there? If so, you’ve experienced highway hypnosis, also known as white line fever. Here’s what to know about highway hypnosis and how to avoid it.
What Is Highway Hypnosis?
Highway hypnosis is a phenomenon where a person can drive a car for long durations — even doing so correctly, following all safety rules and guidelines — but have no memory of consciously doing so. When this happens, the driver is typically focused on something other than driving, dividing their attention and potentially driving unsafely.
What Causes Highway Hypnosis?
Several things can cause highway hypnosis, including:
- Daydreaming
- Being overly fatigued
- Driving on a boring road for a long time
In addition, white line fever can happen when a driver is distracted by something like eating, listening to music, or talking on their cell phone. Drivers can typically feel highway hypnosis coming on and can take steps to prevent it.
How to Avoid Highway Hypnosis
One of the first steps in avoiding highway hypnosis is to recognize the signs and symptoms of it, which can include:
- Having difficulty focusing on the road
- Drifting out of your lane
- Staring blankly
- Not remembering parts of the drive
- Feeling sleepy
If you notice these symptoms while driving, you can:
- Avoid distractions like your phone
- Drink coffee or other caffeinated drink
- Listen to an audiobook or podcast while driving
- Sing along with the radio
- Take breaks every 30 minutes to get out and stretch
Finally, if possible, change your scenery! It may not always be possible, but taking a more scenic route can keep you engaged and fight off highway hypnosis.
Prioritize Safety on the Road
Whether it’s buckling up or combating highway hypnosis, it’s important to be safe while driving. If you need a refresher, turn to Autosafety Driving School, Tampa’s top driving school. Contact us today at (813) 875-4809 for DMV-approved private driving lessons.