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Highway Hypnosis is a dangerous hazard that occurs when a person drives on a long stretch of highway for a long period of time. Victims who experience Highway Hypnosis seem to be awke behind the wheel, but they are zoned out and aren't aware of whats going on around them. Other times victims just fall asleep. Highway Hypnosis is a very common thing. In some parts of America its called " white line fever". The name is more popular in the southern states. Its refered that because the white lines painted on the asphalt. There are a number of ways in which people can develop Highway Hypnosis. For example, getting not enough sleep can trigger this condition. If your up for 16 hours your performance slowly begins to decline. Basically if an average adult gets less than 5 hours of sleep per night cognitive functioning declines. Some people even have sleep disorders which can affect driving abilities. Some examples of sleep disorders are narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia. You can read more about it in chapter 4. Another thing that could cause Highway Hypnosis is a persons occupation. Truck drivers are at the highest risk since they are always on the road and driving long hours. Prevention There are ways to prevent Highway Hypnosis while driving. A person shouldn't eat a big meal before starting out on a long drive. Stop every couple of hours to stretch your body out and don't drive in the hours you are normally sleeping. Second, If your driving with passengers talk to them to stay alert. Third, Turn the radio on if your driving solo to keep yourself from getting bored. Forth, Try to stare at other objects and not focus on one thing, but still keep your eyes on the road. If you feel tired don't forget to stop and drink some caffeine. Highway Hypnosis is a very dangerous condition. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there are approximately 100,000 motor vehicle accidents related to drowsy driving with 76,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths a year. Maggie's Law Maggie's law was first introduced on July 27, 1997. A college student was killed in an automobile accident. Maggie McDonnell was hit by another vehicle by a man who was on cocaine and had not slept in 30 hours. The driver went to 2 trials and was given a 200 dollar fine. Maggie's mother was outrage that this irresponsible behavior was led to minimal punishment. She tried to pass a law to help prevent people from driving while drowsy. The law was first passed in 2003 and allows a prison sentence. During the first couple of years when this law was in effect only one person was prosecuted for driving while sleepy. New Jersey is the only state that has this law. Reference Weiten, Wayne 2004 (pp. 200) psychology Themes and Variations Sixth Edition Wadsworth/ Thomas Learning, Belmont, USA ISBN 0-534-59769-6 Cline, John 2008 Psychology Today " Maggie's Law" HTTP://www. psychology today.com Derek, K. 2005 Are Zig Zag Markings a Jolt from Roadway Hypnosis. The Washington Post.