A 3-minute lesson from the Missouri course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Long, unchanging highway drives can lull you into highway hypnosis, and fatigue can be as dangerous as drinking. If your vehicle breaks down, your job is to be seen and to stay out of traffic.
Highway hypnosis
A sleepy, unaware state caused by the sameness of the road and traffic, plus the hum of the wind, tires and engine.
Tired drivers are a great danger to themselves and others and can be as dangerous as intoxicated drivers. Pull off at the nearest rest stop or service area; if you're really sleepy, take a nap.
Your car loses power just past the crest of a hill. If you can coast farther, stop where drivers coming over the hill will clearly see you, get off the road if you can, turn on your flashers and set flares behind the car.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What causes 'highway hypnosis'?
Road sameness plus the hum of wind, tires, and engine
Excessive speed
Bright headlights from oncoming traffic
Poor tire pressure
Answer: Road sameness plus the hum of wind, tires, and engine
Highway hypnosis is caused by the sameness of the road and traffic along with the steady hum of wind, tires, and engine.
If you cannot get your vehicle off the roadway during a breakdown, you should try to stop where other drivers have a clear view of it, not just over a hill or around a curve.
True
False
Answer: True
If you cannot get off the roadway, try to stop where other drivers have a clear view, not just over a hill or around a curve.