Highway Hypnosis; Hill And Mountain Roads - GMC Yukon Denali 2006 Manual

Highway Hypnosis

Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Do not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
•
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
•
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
•
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-36

Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable. See Off-Road Driving
on page 4-17 for information about driving off-road.
•
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system, and
transmission. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.