What is Highway Hypnosis, also known as White Line Fever?

Highway Hypnosis, commonly referred to as White Line Fever, is characterized by a state where a driver can travel significant distances without actively remembering the journey. This phenomenon typically occurs when a driver is engaged in long stretches of monotonous driving, where the road appears uniform and the mind may wander. The brain enters a sort of trance-like state, and while the driver remains physically capable of operating the vehicle, they are not fully conscious of their actions or the environment around them.

When discussing the nature of this condition, it's important to understand that drivers may respond to road conditions instinctively, but the lack of active engagement means that they might not remember significant portions of their drive. This can lead to dangerous situations if the driver's attention is not fully engaged in the driving task. Therefore, recognizing this phenomenon as the inability to recall aspects of the journey is vital for safe driving, especially on long trips.