Highway HypnosisIs there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call ithighway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.There is something about an easy stretch of road withthe same scenery, along with the hum of the tires onthe road, the drone of the engine, and the rush ofthe wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.Do not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehiclecan leave the road in less than a second, and youcould crash and be injured.What can you do about highway hypnosis?First, be aware that it can happen.Then here are some tips:• Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated,with a comfortably cool interior.• Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road aheadand to the sides. Check your mirrors and yourinstruments frequently.• If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,service, or parking area and take a nap, get someexercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsinesson the highway as an emergency.Hill and Mountain RoadsDriving on steep hills or mountains is different fromdriving in flat or rolling terrain.4-37
