Preventing Speeding Legal Risks and the Importance of Lawyers in Car Crashes

If you live in Houston, TX, you may have heard of something called highway hypnosis, which is also known as white line fever. This is something that can happen to drivers, creating a much higher risk of car accidents that could result in extensive physical injuries.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers have experience with highway hypnosis and how it can impact car accidents. We can help you file a personal injury claim, collect evidence, and negotiate with the involved parties so that you can get the compensation you deserve.

Keep reading to find out what highway hypnosis is and how it can be avoided.

What Is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis is a dangerous state that drivers can get into when they are driving on long stretches of highways and freeways in Houston. Highway hypnosis is a trance-like state where the white lines on the road have created a hypnotic effect that leads to subconscious driving. Many people have experienced this without realizing it as it often leads people to drive without any conscious recognition of their actions or decisions.

An example of highway hypnosis is if you arrive at your destination without any recollection of some of the actions you had to take to get there. You may not have any memory of taking certain turns or passing different landmarks.

Highway hypnosis is considered to be quite dangerous as it is categorized as distracted driving. There is a greater risk of getting into a car accident as you are not driving fully aware and ready to react as quickly as you need to. Here are some highway hypnosis symptoms that can help you better understand when this is happening:

• Loss of concentration
• Snapping back to reality
• Feeling dazed
• Slow reaction time
• Drifting into the other lane
• Wandering thoughts
• Missing turns or exits

What Causes Highway Hypnosis?

The primary cause of highway hypnosis is when you start to drive automatically without having to think about it. When you drive long stretches of roads, there’s nothing to keep you on your toes, as most drivers are able to drive on autopilot. For most people, driving becomes second nature, and they are able to navigate roadways and regulate speeds without having to be fully aware of what they are doing.

White line fever is also more common in drivers who are drowsy or who have been driving for long periods of time. If you are tired, it becomes harder to concentrate, especially if you are driving long stretches of highways or freeways where extensive concentration isn’t required.

The Dangers of Highway Hypnosis

Highway hypnosis is considered to be a form of distracted driving because it decreases your awareness of your surroundings and other vehicles on the road. Any type of distracted driving is very hazardous and can result in serious accidents that could have long-term ramifications.

Driving when you are less aware or distracted will not only impact your reaction time, it will hinder your ability to prevent more obvious driving hazards. You may rear end another vehicle because you are not aware of when they are slowing down or you may drift into the opposite lane causing a head-on collision if you are zoning out and swerving in and out of different lanes.

Another serious danger related to highway hypnosis is the risk of speeding on highways and freeways. If you are not driving while aware, it is very likely that you are gradually increasing your speed without realizing it, which can result in more extensive accidents and physical injuries.

How Can You Avoid Highway Hypnosis?

Because there are so many long stretches of highways and freeways in Houston, white line fever is especially serious for Texas drivers. If you know you will be driving in these areas, you want to be especially conscious of this risk and how you can better avoid it. Here are some tips to help you stay focused and aware when you are driving.

• Only drive when you have gotten a full night’s sleep and feel rested.
• Keep an eye out for Houston’s many roadside attractions for mental stimulation.
• Keep your route entertaining by taking different turns or lanes to get to your final destination.
• Avoid driving very early in the morning when you’re still drowsy or late at night.
• Drive with another person in the vehicle who can help you stay alert and take over so that you can rest.
• Listen to energetic music or something that mentally engages you, like a podcast or audiobook.
• Take frequent breaks or stop at rest stops, where you can walk around, take a nap, or grab a bite to eat.
• Chew gum or eat hard candy to help you stay awake.

What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident as the Result of Highway Hypnosis

If you have been involved in a car accident as a result of white line fever, you need to hire a Houston car accident attorney who can represent you. Houston car accidents can result in extensive property damage as well as physical injuries that can have a long-term impact on your life. If this is the case, you need to file a personal injury claim to get the compensation you need to make a full recovery.

A car accident attorney can help you file a personal injury claim as well as gather evidence and documentation to prove why you deserve compensation. They will handle all negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring you are not pressured into accepting a lower compensation amount.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers can help you navigate the process of filing a personal injury claim after a car accident. We will help you file your claim, provide evidence, and advocate on your behalf so that you receive the compensation you need to fully recover.

Do you need help filing a personal injury claim that is connected to highway hypnosis? Call our Houston office today at 832-745-4878 to speak with one of our attorneys.