How can drivers on an express highway avoid 'highway hypnosis'?

Shifting your eyes from one area of the roadway to another is an effective strategy to avoid 'highway hypnosis,' which refers to a trance-like state that can occur during long periods of monotonous driving. This state can lead to decreased alertness and an increased risk of accidents because the driver may become less aware of their surroundings.

Frequent eye movement helps maintain focus and keeps the brain engaged, which is crucial while driving on an express highway where the scenery can often be repetitive. By looking around, observing traffic signs, adjusting mirrors, and scanning for other vehicles, a driver is more likely to stay alert and responsive to changing conditions.

Maintaining a constant speed and taking breaks can aid in overall fatigue management and safety, but the most direct method to combat the trance-like state of highway hypnosis is actively shifting focus and avoiding long periods of undivided attention on just one part of the roadway. Listening to loud music might provide some distraction, but it doesn’t actively engage the visual senses in the way that shifting one’s gaze can.