Traveling long distances on Georgia’s interstates and rural highways can become so monotonous that drivers zone out. This phenomenon is referred to as highway hypnosis. It may be responsible for thousands of serious car accidents and injuries nationwide every year.
Understanding the causes of highway hypnosis and effective prevention methods can protect you from falling prey to this dangerous condition. If another driver collides with you due to highway hypnosis, this knowledge can help you build a strong car accident case seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses.
What Causes Highway Hypnosis?
Highway hypnosis, also called “white-line fever,” is a mental condition that can develop while motorists drive on long stretches of roadway. Drivers with highway hypnosis may travel great distances with no recollection of what occurred. This kind of unintentional “autopilot” raises the risk of a crash because drivers may not react to hazards, like slowed traffic, in time to avoid a collision.
Some of the most common factors that contribute to highway hypnosis include:
- Fatigue — Drowsy driving increases a motorist’s likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel and can make highway hypnosis more likely due to brain fog.
- Monotony — Extended roadways like I-75 and I-16 can have a hypnotic effect, making drivers less alert to their surroundings.
- Repetitive scenery — If the view doesn’t change for miles, the lack of stimulation slows down the rate at which the brain processes a driver’s surroundings.
- Cruise control — While convenient, settings like cruise control and other automated driving software can lull drivers into a false sense of security, making it easier to become mentally disengaged from operating their vehicle.
How Can You Prevent Highway Hypnosis?
Try these strategies to combat highway hypnosis:
- Take breaks — Rest after every few hours of driving. You should stop to stretch, get fresh air, and relax.
- Stay hydrated — Dehydration can increase fatigue and impair your ability to focus, making it more likely that you’ll end up under the spell of highway hypnosis. Pack water for your next trip. Don’t assume coffee will keep you alert — caffeine provides only a limited boost for a short time.
- Avoiding drowsy driving — Get enough sleep before going on a long drive. If you feel sleepy, it’s best to stop driving rather than try to power through several more hours of driving.
- Sharing driving duties — If you’re traveling with others, you can ward off highway hypnosis by switching drivers. Motorists with time to relax or nap between driving sessions are less likely to succumb to highway hypnosis.
- Stay engaged — Keep your mind alert by listening to music and talking to other passengers. Be careful that talking doesn’t distract from driving.
How Many Accidents Are Caused Nationally by Highway Hypnosis?
Although there’s no specific data on highway hypnosis and car accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks drowsy driving, which is a major cause of it. According to federal data, approximately 91,000 crashes involving drowsy drivers were reported to police in a recent year, resulting in about 50,000 injuries and around 800 deaths.
Can I Sue If a Driver Hits Me Due to Highway Hypnosis?
If a driver collides with you and due to highway hypnosis, Georgia law allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Your success will depend on the strength of the evidence you can provide of their unsafe behavior, which might include the following:
- Medical records
- The police accident report, which could contain the officer’s initial thoughts on who is at fault for the crash
- Photographs depicting the vehicle damage, your injuries, and the area around the accident scene (e.g., presence or absence of skid marks, broken glass, etc.)
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic camera footage showing the other driver failing to react to a road hazard
- Onboard vehicle data showing the other driver didn’t hit the brakes or attempt to swerve before colliding with you
- Expert witness testimony, such as from a crash reconstruction specialist.
What Damages Are Available for a Fatigued Driver Car Accident Claim?
After a car crash in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia caused by a fatigued driver, you can pursue compensation for the financial and non-financial harm you suffered due to their negligence. The compensation may include the following:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Other accident-related expenses, such as the cost of assistive medical devices, ongoing nursing care, or home renovations to accommodate a new disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you build a robust case demanding maximum compensation for your losses. When appropriate, your attorney may consult knowledgeable professionals in fields like medicine and economics to understand and demonstrate the severity of your injuries and your anticipated financial costs moving forward. Your lawyer can also negotiate for a full and fair settlement with the insurance company so you don’t risk saying something that jeopardizes your case. If the insurer refuses to pay, your attorney can also advise on whether filing a car accident lawsuit might pave the way for a better outcome.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident and suspect that highway hypnosis played a role, Bayuk Pratt is here to help. Our founding attorneys were senior partners at two of the world’s leading defense law firms, giving us valuable insider insight that we now use to advocate for our clients. With more than 50 years of combined legal experience in Atlanta, our law firm has recovered over $300 million for the wrongfully injured. Put us to work for you.
Don’t wait another moment to get the battle-tested legal help you deserve. Contact Bayuk Pratt today for a free consultation about your car accident claim.
