Can You Really Drive and Not Remember It? The Truth About Highway Hypnosis

Some drives feel like they can be done blindfolded. Not literally, of course. But for many people, the experience is familiar: drivers can pull into the driveway after a familiar trip and realize the last several miles are hard to remember. The drive itself was a blur.

This is often referred to as “highway hypnosis” or “road trance.” Researchers say it tends to happen on monotonous or familiar roads, where repeated scenery and routine driving can cause attention and alertness to drop.

Learn what highway hypnosis is, if it’s real, what causes it, when there’s reason for concern, and how drivers can be more attentive.

What Is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis is when a driver remains awake but may have little memory of a stretch of road afterward. It can happen during repetitive drives, like daily commutes or a straight highway with steady speeds and little changing scenery.

According to Cleveland Clinic, “People normally describe highway hypnosis as either they arrived at their destination and they don’t remember how they got there, or they’re further along in their route than they thought they were and they don’t know how they got so far.”

There isn’t a standard test or legal definition for highway hypnosis in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies long, repetitive drives as one situation that can contribute to fatigue.

Highway hypnosis and drowsy driving aren’t the same thing, but monotonous roads can contribute to both. Research on road hypnosis has found that drivers can continue driving normally while reacting more slowly than they would in a fully attentive state.

How To Prevent Highway Hypnosis and Warning Signs

It can be hard to notice highway hypnosis as a driver due to the reduced awareness that comes with it. However, there are some signs to look for.

Highway hypnosis can cause a driver to lose track of time or have trouble remembering a recent stretch of the trip. Drivers can reduce the chance of slipping into automatic driving by continuing to check mirrors, paying increased attention to road markers like road signs, looking farther ahead, and regularly bringing their focus back to surrounding traffic and changing road conditions. “Anything that keeps you in the here and now can help with highway hypnosis,” the Cleveland Clinic states.

Lane drifting, hitting a rumble strip, struggling to keep the eyes open, or fighting to stay awake indicate drowsiness, not zoning out. Those signs could mean it’s time to take a break and rest.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy.”

Drivers who begin feeling sleepy should stop somewhere safe rather than relying on an open window or other tricks to stay awake. Caffeine may temporarily improve alertness, but it doesn’t replace sleep. NHTSA warns that coffee or energy drinks alone may provide only a short-term boost, particularly when a driver is seriously sleep-deprived.

Safety is always the first priority on the road, and drivers who notice their attention slipping should find a safe place to stop rather than trying to push through it.

Sources

• National Library of Medicine, “Research on Recognition of Road Hypnosis in the Typical Monotonous Scene”
• Cleveland Clinic, “Highway Hypnosis Is Just Around the Bend”
• NHTSA, “Drowsy Driving”

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What You’re Really Paying For When You Buy Premium Paint

Anyone who’s ever ordered from a paint counter has probably faced the same paint quality question: good, better, or best?

You wouldn’t be alone if you didn’t know what to say and ended up panic ordering. Deciding between budget, mid-tier, and premium quality paint isn’t usually an obvious choice or something most people have been taught to differentiate.

While higher-priced paint promises better performance, do the differences really matter enough to justify the extra cost? Learn from experts about what tends to change between paint tiers, when to upgrade, and when it’s ok to save.

What Changes Between Paint Quality Tiers

Of course, each paint brand will tell shoppers it sells great paint, and its most expensive version will generally promise the best performance.

Experts agree that within the same brand, moving up a tier usually buys added performance, though the exact benefits depend on the product. For instance, higher-end products may offer better hide, smoother application, easier cleaning, stronger stain resistance, or better exterior performance.

Lowe’s recommends comparing factors such as sheen, durability, and how a room will be used when choosing a paint.

“Premium paints lie flatter as they dry,” says Michael Murray, founder and CEO of Textbook Painting. “This reduces roller stipple and brush marks to leave a smoother, professional finish.”

Premium Paint Isn’t Necessary Everywhere

According to experts, premium paint generally makes the most sense on surfaces that need to withstand more wear like walls that are touched or cleaned often, and exterior paint that is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

Choose mid-tier paint as a practical middle ground for projects where the cheapest option feels too basic but premium performance isn’t necessary. Areas where using a lower quality paint would be less concerning include ceilings, closets, and other low-traffic spaces.

“Budget tier is generally good for low traffic or low visibility rooms,” says Jake Cervilla, owner of Interland Design.

Compare the Product, Not Just the Price

A “good, better, best” system, or an equivalent version of it, helps simplify the decision process for shoppers. The tier name alone doesn’t explain everything, so shoppers who are still unsure should talk to a store representative or manager for recommendations.

“They are very good at going over the different levels and what you actually are looking for,” says Cervilla. “It can be intimidating looking over a giant product list so dont be afraid to ask questions. Many times you dont need the premium platinum tier but you will get a benefit using a higher end paint than the basic or mid tiers depending on your situation.”

Remember, paint quality tiers do make a difference. However, price isn’t always the best indicator of what you should get. So the next time you’re at the paint aisle you’ll know that “better” isn’t always the better choice.

Sources

Interviewed source

Michael Murray, founder and CEO of Textbook Painting
Jake Cervilla, owner of Interland Design

Other primary sources

Lowe’s, “Interior Paint Buying Guide”

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The DIY Upgrades That Actually Mattered When We Sold Our Fixer-Upper

When my wife and I first started renovating our fixer-upper, we thought we knew exactly what would make the biggest impact when it came time to put it back on the market. And while many of the big-ticket updates were important, they weren’t always what buyers commented on, remembered, or what increased our home’s value.

Looking back, a few changes made our home more complete and functional and ended up being the biggest selling points. Some were major renovations, others were surprisingly simple, but all of them made our lives better while living in the home and helped buyers picture themselves living there, too.

Improved Floor Plan

The biggest overhaul in our fixer-upper was removing the walls separating our kitchen, dining room, and living room. It completely changed the floor plan of our home, making it feel larger and function more naturally. As soon as you walked in through the front door, you could see straight through to the backyard and across the main living area of the home.

New bathrooms, kitchens, and other room modifications are easy to imagine, but it’s much more difficult to envision a home’s potential when it comes to removing or adding walls.

Not every home is designed in a way that’s conducive to an open floor plan, and that’s not everyone’s ideal home layout anyway. But if you’re planning a full gut job on your fixer-upper, the first thing you should keep in mind is the home’s layout and whether there’s a way to improve it.

Added Storage

Everyone needs more storage. Everyone.

Single households. Families of eight. Downsizers. First-time homeowners.

You get it. Prospective buyers will immediately walk in and start mentally unpacking, wondering where they’ll put the linens, Christmas decorations, camping gear, knick-knacks, and everything else they own.

A home with little to no storage can be an automatic dealbreaker for many buyers. And while there’s only so much you can do with the closet space you have, there are ways to get creative and add more storage.

In our dining area, we built a custom dining bench that added much-needed storage in a home that was seriously lacking it.

We also created DIY built-in shelves in our playroom to keep all of our kids’ toys and crafts organized.

Think about storage when updating your home, because the next homeowners will be thinking about it, too.

The Little Things

The old adage is that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but it doesn’t always take a major renovation to sell your house.

One of the most common things we heard from prospective buyers was praise for the little gadgets and upgrades we made that ended up being big selling points. For instance, we added a bottle rinser we got off Amazon to our kitchen, which was easy to install and made our sink feel fancy.

And in our living room, we built a DIY frame for our TV that was a beginner-friendly project but still felt like a high-end design feature.

Other cool additions include pop-up outlets in countertops, pull-out trash and recycling bins, smart light switches or dimmers, and a built-in charging drawer or hidden charging station. Those things might seem small, but they could be the “cool” addition a buyer loves and can’t stop thinking about.

What They Didn’t Care About (And What I’d Do Differently)

If I were starting the fixer-upper process over again, whether it was this home or another, there are a few things I’d spend less time and money on and stress less over.

Prospective buyers didn’t appreciate the expensive finishes that I agonized over. Those details helped create a cohesive look that fit our home’s vibe, but they certainly weren’t what sold our home or what brought anyone back for a second tour.

Also, not every project has the same return on investment for time and money. Even though we almost entirely DIYed our outdoor kitchen, it was still an expensive project that didn’t bring back the same value we put into it. And the time spent improving the curb appeal was extensive, but the return wasn’t on the same level as some of the other projects we completed inside the home.

However, that doesn’t mean I regret those projects. They made me happy while we lived there.

If your goal is maximizing resale value, research which projects will recoup the most in your area. But at the end of the day, buyers aren’t just shopping for a house. They’re imagining what life will be like living there.

The renovations that helped us sell weren’t necessarily the flashiest or most expensive, but the ones that made our home easier to live in. Projects that made our home brighter, improved its flow, added storage, felt unique, and made it move-in ready.

If a project makes your daily life better, odds are the next owner will appreciate it, too.

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Those Mysterious Black Tubes on the Road Have an Important Job

Just about every driver has driven across what looks like a pair of black rubber hoses stretched across the pavement. But do you know what those are actually for?

They aren’t abandoned construction material or speed-enforcement equipment put in by law enforcement. Transportation departments and local governments use them to collect information about how vehicles are using a road.

Learn how the tubes work, what data they’re collecting, who is collecting the data, and what drivers need to know before driving over them.

What the Black Tubes Measure and How They Work

Those black tubes, often called “pneumatic road tubes,” connect to a small counter positioned nearby that tracks when vehicle axles pass over them. When a vehicle rolls over a tube, the tire compresses it and sends a change in air pressure toward the counter.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) describes pneumatic road tubes as a common option for short-term traffic counts and vehicle classification.

“Road tube sensors are usually low cost and simple to maintain,” according to the FHWA. “Sensor manufacturers often supply software packages to assist with data analysis.”

Crews may install one tube or several in different configurations depending on what they want to measure. A single tube can record axle hits that agencies use to estimate traffic volume. Two tubes can provide more information, including vehicle speed and direction. The spacing between axle hits can also help the equipment classify different types of vehicles.

The tubes don’t track other vehicle or driver information like license plates, vehicle make and model, driver identity, or photographs. Crews can also install and remove the portable equipment fairly easily once the data collection period has ended.

Why Transportation Agencies Use Them

Road tubes are used by transportation agencies across the United States, and each agency may collect the data for different planning or traffic studies.

For instance, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities uses traffic counters to collect information that helps with transportation planning. Local governments may use the same equipment while reviewing neighborhood traffic. The City of Chandler, Arizona, includes road-tube sensors among the tools it uses to study traffic volume and speed.

The data gives civil engineers a clearer picture of how a road is being used when they’re working on planning or safety reviews.

What Drivers Should Do When They See Them

If installed correctly, drivers have no reason to worry about pneumatic road tubes other than perhaps the slight sound or bump when going over them. The tubes are designed to sit across travel lanes while vehicles pass over them without interrupting normal traffic.

Drivers should follow normal road rules and shouldn’t brake suddenly or try to drive around the tubes. So the next time those black tubes appear across the road, they’re likely helping a transportation agency understand how traffic is moving through the area.

Sources

Federal Highway Administration, “Pneumatic Road Tube”
Federal Highway Administration, “Traffic Monitoring Guidebook, Chapter 4”
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, “Traffic Counters”
City of Chandler, Arizona, “Traffic Volumes and Calming Measures”
Town of Abington, Massachusetts, “Traffic Counter Notice”

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The Coolest Castle to Visit in Every State

Alabama: Wesleyan Hall (Built 1856)

Saying your university has a castle would be pretty cool. Built in the 1850s, Wesleyan Hall on the University of North Alabama campus in Florence, Alabama, is quite the sight to see.

Alaska: Hatcher Pass Castle (Built 1970)

Tucked into the mountains near Hatcher Pass, this private stone castle looks like it belongs in the Scottish Highlands and stands out against Alaska’s rugged landscape.

Arizona: Mystery Castle (Built 1930)

Built from stone, adobe, automobile parts, and other salvaged materials, Mystery Castle remains one of the Southwest’s most unusual homes and has become one of Phoenix’s best-known landmarks.

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Arkansas: Quigley’s Castle (Built 1943)

Known as “The Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” this home features walls decorated with thousands of pressed flowers and native stones collected by its owner.

California: Hearst Castle (Built 1919)

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is famous for its lavish rooms, world-class art collection, and the spectacular Neptune Pool.

Colorado: Bishop Castle (Built 1969)

This towering handmade castle includes soaring stone towers, winding staircases, stained glass, and even a massive steel dragon perched above the entrance.

Connecticut: Gillette Castle (Built 1919)

Actor William Gillette, who designed and built the home, lived in the castle for nearly 20 years before his death in 1937. It is now part of Gillette Castle State Park.

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Delaware: Castle Hall (Built 1851)

Delaware does not have authentic medieval military castles. However, it is home to Castle Hall in Wilmington, a Gothic Revival residence built in the 1850s. Now more than 170 years old, it is one of Delaware’s most notable examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

Florida: Disney World’s Cinderella Castle (Built 1971)

Standing at the center of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the country and serves as the symbol of Walt Disney World. Consider a trip to nearby Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios (if you’re prepared for an expensive vacation).

Georgia: Old Georgia State Capitol (Built 1807)

With Gothic towers and castle-like battlements, this former state capitol looks more like a fortress than a government building and now sits on the Georgia Military College campus.

Hawaii: Iolani Palace (Built 1882)

Although it is technically a palace, not a castle, Iolani Palace in Honolulu is definitely one of the coolest structures in the state. After restoration, it reopened to the public in 1978.

Idaho: Schweitzer Castle & Château de Melusine (Built 1999)

Inspired by European castles, this hilltop estate overlooks the forests of northern Idaho with stone towers, steep roofs, and sweeping mountain views.

Illinois: Old Main (Built 1899)

Its limestone towers, Gothic details, and castle-like appearance have made Old Main one of the most recognizable buildings on the Eastern Illinois University campus.

Indiana: Clayshire Castle (Built 1999)

Built at the end of the millennium, Clayshire Castle in Bowling Green is one of the newest castles you’ll find. The 10,000-square-foot structure is designed to resemble a medieval English castle and welcomes overnight guests seeking a unique stay complete with turrets and stone walls.

Iowa: Ida Grove

You can’t beat “Castletown USA.” Seriously, that’s the motto for Ida Grove, Iowa thanks to its collection of castle-inspired buildings, towers, bridges, and parks scattered throughout town.

Kansas: Coronado Heights (Built 1936)

This small stone castle sits atop one of central Kansas’ highest hills and offers panoramic views of the surrounding prairie.

Kentucky: Kentucky Castle (Built 1969)

Located in Versailles, just outside of the capital Lexington, Kentucky Castle, also called Castle Post, Martin Castle, or Versailles Castle, was sold in 2023 and primarily serves as a bed and breakfast and hosts special events.

Louisiana: Old State Capitol (Built 1852)

Completed in 1852, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge features Gothic towers that earned it the nickname “The Castle on the River.”

Maine: Norumbega Castle (Built 1889)

Overlooking Penobscot Bay, this granite castle now operates as a boutique inn while preserving many of its original architectural details.

Maryland: Maryvale Castle (Built 1916)

Modeled after England’s Warwick Castle, this impressive stone building now serves as the centerpiece of the Maryvale Preparatory School campus.

Massachusetts: Winnekenni Castle (Built 1875)

Built from locally gathered stone, Winnekenni Castle overlooks a scenic lake and hosts concerts, weddings, and community events on its grounds.

Michigan: Castle Museum (Built 1898)

Originally built in 1898 as Saginaw’s post office, the Castle Museum features Romanesque architecture with castle-like towers.

Minnesota: Glensheen Mansion (Built 1908)

Its grand stone exterior, sprawling lakeside setting, and famous history have made Glensheen one of Minnesota’s most visited historic homes.

Mississippi: Pierce Castle (Built 2008)

Complete with towers, thick stone walls, and medieval-inspired architecture, this privately owned home looks centuries older than it really is.

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Missouri: Sky High Castle (Built 1930)

Hidden among the Ozarks, this European-inspired stone castle remains one of Missouri’s most distinctive private homes.

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Montana: Castle Museum and Carriage House (Built 1892)

Originally a Victorian mansion, the building now preserves local history while showcasing its castle-inspired architecture.

Nebraska: Joslyn Castle (Built 1903)

Completed in Omaha in 1903, Joslyn Castle stands as one of the Great Plains’ best-known Scottish Baronial homes.

Nevada: Stoke’s Castle (Built 1897)

Inspired by an Italian medieval tower, this three-story stone landmark rises unexpectedly above Nevada’s high desert landscape.

New Hampshire: Searles Castle (Built 1915)

This granite estate resembles a European fortress and now serves as one of New England’s most recognizable wedding venues.

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New Jersey: Kip’s Castle (Built 1902)

Perched above the New York City skyline, Kip’s Castle offers sweeping views along with its distinctive Norman-style architecture.

New Mexico: Montezuma Castle (Built 1886)

Built in 1886 as a luxury hotel, Montezuma Castle near Las Vegas, New Mexico, features striking Victorian architecture and castle-like towers.

New York: Boldt Castle (Built 1900)

George C. Boldt, whom the structure is named after, began building Boldt Castle on Heart Island in 1900. Today it’s one of the country’s most recognizable castle estates.

North Carolina: Biltmore Estate (Built 1895)

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville remains America’s largest privately owned home with French Renaissance château design. It features 250 rooms, formal gardens, and architecture inspired by the grand châteaux of France.

North Dakota: Enchanted Castle (Built 2012)

This castle isn’t even old enough to vote. This medieval-themed hotel welcomes guests traveling the Enchanted Highway, one of the state’s most popular roadside attractions.

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Ohio: Squire’s Castle (Built 1897)

Feargus B. Squire built this stone gatekeeper’s house in 1897 within what is now the North Chagrin Reservation.

Oklahoma: The Holy City of the Wichitas (Built 1935)

Built from local granite, this hilltop complex recreates biblical Jerusalem with stone walls, towers, and castle-like architecture.

Canterbury Castle
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Oregon: Canterbury Castle (Built 1931)

With stone walls, hidden passageways, and medieval-inspired details, Canterbury Castle remains one of Portland’s most unusual historic homes.

Pennsylvania: Fonthill Castle (Built 1912)

The castle contains more than 40 rooms filled with handcrafted ceramic tiles, artwork, and collections created by Henry Mercer.

Rhode Island: Ochre Court (Built 1892)

Modeled after a French château, Ochre Court overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and ranks among Newport’s grandest Gilded Age mansions.

South Carolina: Atalaya Castle (Built 1933)

This castle served as the winter home and studio of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and Archer Huntington. Today, its 30 rooms surround a central courtyard where sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington created many of her famous works.

South Dakota: Valtiroty Shiloh’s Tabernacle (Built 1981)

Its stone towers, castle walls, and handcrafted details make this one of South Dakota’s most unexpected roadside landmarks.

Tennessee: Castle Gwynn (Built 1980)

Built as a faithful recreation of a 12th-century Welsh castle, it opens to visitors during the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival.

Newman’s Castle, Bellville, TX. Pixel 3a XL.
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Texas: Newman Castle (Built 2000)

Complete with a moat, drawbridge, dungeon, and chapel, this hand-built castle offers tours that feel straight out of the Middle Ages.

Utah: The Castle (Natural Formation)

Unlike other manmade structures on this list, The Castle in Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County is a towering sandstone formation that naturally resembles a medieval fortress.

Vermont: Wilson Castle (Built 1867)

Located in Proctor, Wilson Castle blends Victorian, Dutch Neo-Renaissance, Scottish Baronial, and Romanesque architecture. IWith 32 rooms, stained glass windows, secret passageways, and ornate woodwork, Wilson Castle feels like stepping into another era.

Virginia: Bacon’s Castle (Built 1665)

The oldest castle on this list, Bacon’s Castle ranks among the oldest surviving brick homes in North America. It features rare Jacobean architecture and original details from the 17th century.

Washington: Thornewood Castle (Built 1908)

Thornewood Castle, located near Tacoma in Lakewood, incorporates centuries-old English materials shipped across the Atlantic. Seriously. Builders shipped bricks, oak paneling, and other materials from a 400-year-old English manor to create this remarkable estate.

West Virginia: West Virginia Penitentiary (Built 1876)

Far from being a royal palace in practice, its towering stone walls and Gothic architecture make the former prison look more like a medieval fortress than a correctional facility.

Wisconsin: Pabst Mansion (Built 1892)

Built for brewing magnate Frederick Pabst, the mansion showcases ornate woodwork, grand staircases, and castle-inspired architecture.

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Wyoming: Bedford Castle

If you’re in the market for a castle, here’s your opportunity. Bedford Castle in Bedford, Wyoming currently listed for sale for just under $10 million. What a bargain! It includes soaring towers, handcrafted interiors, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

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Ever Wonder What Those Long Spikes on Semi-Truck Wheels Are For? Here’s the Answer

Driving alongside a semi-truck is unsettling at the best of times. They take up nearly the entire lane, can be difficult to see around, can trigger nightmares for anyone who has watched Final Destination, and some even have those intimidating, long, pointed spikes sticking out from the wheels.

They don’t look like standard lug nuts seen on a passenger vehicle, so what are they and what are they used for?

Learn why some semi-trucks have wheel spikes, what sits underneath them, what those spikes actually do, and whether they serve a safety purpose.

Why Do Semi-Trucks Have Spikes on Their Wheels?

The long spikes usually seen on the wheels of a semi-truck are decorative covers designed to go over the existing lug nuts. They aren’t designed to interact with the axle, tire, or braking system, and they don’t hold the wheel in place.

They also don’t only come in spike shapes. Manufacturers of these covers sell them in a variety of designs, like flat, bullet, rocket, or spear styles. They’re usually made out of chrome-finished plastic, but metal options are also available. Like other lug nut covers, they can also put a barrier between the hardware and dirt or moisture, though the pointed shape itself doesn’t provide a special protective function.

Covers might attach by pushing onto the existing lug nut, or attach another way depending on the brand. Check the item’s instructions when installing.

Are Semi-Truck Wheel Spikes Legal?

Plenty of decorative automotive accessories are either straight up illegal or in a legal gray area. So, what about wheel spikes?

Federal commercial vehicle rules address wheel condition and secure fasteners, while individual states can place additional restrictions on items that project from wheels.

For instance, Washington state restricts certain wheel nuts, hub caps, and wheel discs that extend outside the vehicle body and create a hazard to pedestrians or cyclists. Rules can vary by state, so before buying covers, consider local vehicle-equipment laws in the area.

These covers also shouldn’t be confused with other dedicated wheel-safety equipment. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires commercial vehicle wheel nuts and bolts to remain secure, and decorative covers don’t replace inspections or maintenance.

If a driver is concerned about safety while traveling beside a semi-truck with wheel spikes, the covers don’t call for any special precautions. Drivers should follow the same advice recommended around other large trucks, including avoiding their blind spots and leaving enough room when passing.

So the next time you see these wheel spikes, you’ll know what they’re for.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.37.369”
• ECFR, “Part 571—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards”
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers”

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