Highway Hypnosis

Beyond the White Lines: Truckers Can Navigate the Risks of Highway Hypnosis


When you think about hypnosis, does it involve a slowly spinning crystal on a chain and soft words that put you to sleep? That’s the way it is in the movies, but not in real life for truckers hauling loads on busy highways.

That phenomenon is called highway hypnosis, also commonly known as white line fever. What is highway hypnosis? It is the state of zoning out while driving. Picture this: You and your big rig are on a long haul through a stretch of asphalt that looks the same mile after mile. Those white lines separating the lanes are evaporating into thin air because you’re on autopilot. You are barely aware of your surroundings and coasting along without a jolt.

You arrive at your destination and suddenly realize that you don’t remember most of your journey. Your mind is a complete blank. It’s as if you were driving under hypnosis, without spinning crystals or soft words, and only with the sameness of the road. Let us tell you why that’s dangerous.

Eye-Opening Statistics on Drowsy Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021 684 people were killed in accidents involving a drowsy driver, which is also another term for somebody with white line fever. Also, drowsy driving has reportedly been involved in 1.8% of all fatal crashes from 2017 to 2021. The problem is so prevalent that it is no longer just a trucking occurrence.

While highway hypnosis, or you can also call it road hypnosis or driving hypnosis, isn’t literally falling asleep, it might as well be. Sure, you’re likely to stay in your lane, keep your distance from other vehicles, and even maintain a safe speed, but your senses aren’t as alert. That means you may not react swiftly and strategically to sudden changes in the traffic pattern, which can be the difference between preventing an accident and causing one.

How Can You Avoid Highway Hypnosis

So, how can you avoid highway hypnosis? We have some tips for you, some of which might seem obvious and others surprising..

  • Feel the cool breeze – That could be wind from the open windows or the AC. Either way, keep it cool. Cold air shocks your senses and wakes you up.
  • Play the tunes loudly – They’ll keep you humming and keep your spirit singing. Hey, go all karaoke behind the wheel. That means you are alert.
  • Read and read some more – Read the billboard signs you pass. Read the street signs you drive by. Read the license plates around you. Reading keeps the brain busy.
  • Pop in a stick or two – Chewing gum, sugar free, of course, keeps your mind alert. Grab different flavors and alternate so you give your taste buds a zing.
  • Sit up straight – Driving a truck for hours and hours can do a number on your body, especially your lower back. Check on your posture frequently.
  • Snack wisely – Avoid the sugar, fat, and salt of vending machine confections. They’ll just make you more sluggish in the long run. Snack on fruits, nuts, veggies, and hummus.
  • Listen to an audiobook – Not only will it keep you listening, which means you remain alert, but you could learn something new. What’s not to like?

Remember to Rest and Take Exercise Breaks

All those tips for avoiding highway hypnosis are great. But the best remedy for white line fever is resting and taking breaks. Nothing substitutes a good night’s sleep. But the next best thing is exercise. So, get out of the truck for a while, stretch your legs, take a walk, enjoy the scenery, or even take a refreshing power nap. It’s all about making sure that you drive that big rig on manual pilot, not autopilot. You want to remember the traveling just as much as you do the arriving.


Want to steer clear of white line fever? Book exciting loads to haul and never experience highway hypnosis. Become a NextLOAD user today and find premium loads for FREE using many search options. Create your account here or call us at 844-827-7700.

Mario Tarradell is a Bilingual Communications Specialist at Apex Capital and for NextLOAD. He comes to Apex after a long career writing for daily newspapers. Mario enjoys telling stories about truckers, especially about the many aspects of the trucking industry that have the greatest impact on them personally and professionally. Mario believes that truckers are our lifelines, so he always wants to pay respect to the hard-working folks behind the wheel.