Highway Hypnosis, in simple terms, plays with one's mind. Also known as white line fever, the condition alters the mind accordingly when a person is driving a car, or a truck at a safe pace, but has no recollection of doing so. This happens when a person's conscious mind is preoccupied with something else, but at the same time processing the information in its needs to drive the car safely. A person can't realise, Highway Hypnosis has taken over, not until one has snapped out of it.
What are the symptoms of Highway Hypnosis?
Few signs lead to the cause of Highway Hypnosis and one needs to be mindful and careful about it. Let's take a look at a few causes that lead to Highway Hypnosis.
1. Drowsiness
2. Loss of concentration or focus
3. Feeling dull and sleepy at the same time
4. Responding slowly and fickle-minded
5. Eyes drooping and not aware
6. Brain inattention
What are the main causes leading to Highway Hypnosis?
Drowsiness, lack of enthusiasm, and fatigue are a few causes that lead to Highway Hypnosis. At extreme, this can lead to dangerous situations. According to research in 2004, mentioned by Healthline, a person's oculomotor, or system that controls eye moments, also plays a part. It's basically when a person drives and stares at the road for a long period of time, the person loses their focus, and rather than seeing, the brain begins to depend more on mental prediction of what a person will see next.
How can one prevent Highway Hypnosis?
After noticing the warning signs of Highway Hypnosis, an individual needs to be more alert and careful. Here are the tips, one needs to follow while driving.
1. Intake of caffeine to an extent
2. Take a break, walk for a while, and eat something
3. While driving, talk or sing to focus on driving consciously
4. Take turns in driving
5. If covering long distances, go in a group and take breaks accordingly in driving
6. Keep windows down to allow fresh air in the vehicle
