Many people claim that they have experienced highway hypnosis while driving late at night or when extremely tired. Highway hypnosis is no joke, as it can lead to serious crashes or collisions. In this state, the driver goes into an auto mode condition, feeling dizzy and unaware of their surroundings. The other driver may use highway hypnosis to defend their case; no matter how it’s cited, it’s not a valid cause of action and cannot hinder your rights to go ahead with the car accident lawsuit and seek compensation for your incurred damages and losses.
If you have been in a tragic car accident and are planning to file a legal claim to recover your losses, consult a Des Moines car accident attorney with a good track record and experience in winning such lawsuits.
What is highway hypnosis, and why does it happen?
Drivers operating their vehicles on long, straight roads while focusing on the white lines ahead can fall under a hypnotic effect known as highway hypnosis. It is also known as white line fever and causes the driver to lose focus, making it difficult for them to be aware of what’s around them and beside the road. It happens when someone goes on a long trip, takes a straight highway with no turns, or drives a route that looks similar across vast distances or is very familiar. Furthermore, if you are driving on a road with little or no traffic or scenery, your mind becomes accustomed to and fails to be attentive while operating the vehicle. Scenery, traffic, crowds, or little noise stimulate the driver’s senses and help them stay focused, making them less prone to highway hypnosis.
When someone drives a familiar route, they may feel aware of the pathways and thus enter an autonomous state. This makes them feel heavy and sleepy. Feeling sleepy and tired does not constitute or is similar to the hypnotic state of white-line fever, but both can happen simultaneously. Certain actions make you more susceptible to highway hypnosis, such as driving while drowsy, sleepy, tired, or at night.
Symptoms that indicate highway hypnosis:
Have you ever felt like you’ve traveled a long distance while operating a vehicle without recalling the details of the past few miles? Get cautious, as you might be facing highway hypnosis. You forget details about your surroundings and what happened minutes ago, completely zoning out, only to come to your senses and realize that you have traveled far. If that happens, look for signs like:
- Slow reaction time
- Mental fog
- Feeling drowsy
- Heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, or struggling to keep your eyes open
- Daydreaming and struggling to stay aware of your surroundings
- Drifting into a different lane, struggling to stay in your lane while driving
- Following other cars too closely or hitting them on the rear end without realizing it
The dangers caused by highway hypnosis:
Highway hypnosis is more dangerous compared to distracted driving or using a phone while operating a vehicle. It can cause extreme situations such as:
- Hitting a pedestrian
- Driving through a red light
- Speeding
- Traffic crashes
- Failing to use turn signals
- Speeding, and more.
Can the opponent use highway hypnosis as a line of defense?
Although it’s not a legitimate defense against a car accident, many defendants and their legal representatives use this argument while defending their claims. Drivers are obliged by law to operate their vehicles safely and pay 100% attention to their surroundings while driving. If they feel tired, drowsy, or in a trance-like state leading to white-line fever, they need to take a break or should not drive, thereby making them liable for their careless actions. In these cases, you can sue the opposing driver and seek compensation for your medical losses, financial losses, and mental anguish. Highway hypnosis doesn’t diminish or reduce your chances of compensation; it all depends upon the evidence and specifics of your case.
