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”
The post Can You Really Drive and Not Remember It? The Truth About Highway Hypnosis appeared first on Family Handyman.
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