Highway Hypnosis- Page 188

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Here are some things you can check before a trip:

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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?

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Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

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Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?

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Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?

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Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble

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free trip. Is the tread good enough for

long

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distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the

recommended pressure?

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Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?

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Maps: Do you have up

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to

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date maps?

Highway Hypnosis

Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.

There is something about an easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road,
the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against
the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less
than a second, and you could crash and be injured.

What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.

Then here are some tips:

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Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

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Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.

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If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.