Copyright jalopnik
Avoiding highway hypnosis requires managing sensory input and fatigue before monotony takes over. Every source agrees: once you've slipped into a trance, awareness returns only when something jolts you back. The key is preventing that drift from happening in the first place. Start with the basics. Rest well before a long trip and try to avoid driving through the midnight to 6 a.m. window, when the body's alertness naturally drops. On the road, plan occasional stops to stretch or walk; even a short break resets the brain's focus. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recommends scheduling a break every two hours or every 100 miles during longer drives. If fatigue starts to creep in, a brief power nap, either in your vehicle (in a parked space, of course) or at a motel nearby, can be more effective than struggling to stay awake. Changing the environment helps too. Open the windows to let fresh air in. Louder, upbeat music or an energetic podcast can also help keep your senses engaged for a while during long highway drives. If possible, switch drivers on long hauls or ask the person in the passenger seat to keep you engaged in conversations or verbal games. For solo commuters, varying daily routes can break the pattern that pushes the mind to automaticity. Although you shouldn't talk on the phone while driving, in dire situations, consider calling a friend using hands-free mode to help keep you awake.
