Highway Hypnosis- Page 284

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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:

D

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

D

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

D

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.