How to Avoid Highway Hypnosis

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:

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:

If you notice these symptoms while driving, you can:

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.