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What are two common effects of driving on open highways?
My sister and I are planning a road trip across the southwest. We’ll be sharing the driving duties and I’m a little nervous about zoning out behind the wheel. What are some common effects of driving on the open highway?
Mary Cahill · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It sounds like you guys are going to have a blast! One drawback of road-tripping is enduring the long driving stretches. The two most common side effects of driving on a flat, open highway are velocitation and highway hypnosis.
Velocitation is exactly what it sounds like. It’s characterized by a driver’s tendency to cruise at high speeds due to driving for a long period of time. Glance at your speedometer regularly to keep yourself in check and slow down immediately when you get off an exit.
That “zoning out” feeling you described is known as highway hypnosis. Drivers who stare out onto the open road for several hours straight can fall victim to this driving phenomenon. Symptoms of highway hypnosis include:
- Drowsiness
- Inattentiveness
- Nodding off
Talk to your passenger and check your mirrors often to stay alert. Stop driving when you feel hopelessly tired. Falling asleep at the wheel is no joke—it accounts for thousands of car crashes every year.
Before you head out for adventure, make sure you’re getting the most affordable
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