Paul Messam, Gleaner Writer

A policeman and two unidentified men stand adjacent to this Toyota Corolla that was in a freak accident on the Mandela Highway and landed in a ditch that runs parallel to the highway last December. Motorist are urged to remain vigilant and aware while driving. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

With so many highways and by-ways coming on stream, motorists must take the necessary precaution so as not to fall prey to highway hypnosis. Keeping alert is part and parcel of the defensive driving process. "Driving is essentially an activity of the mind and our bodies are important only in that they translate the impulses of our thoughts as we meet and attempt to solve the challenges of the road" says Dr. Hame Persaud.

The first step in driver control or stability is proper seating position. Unless a person is sitting alert and comfortable behind the wheel, he is handicapping himself from the start. The Oxford dictionary describes the term alert as "watchful, vigilant, attentive; state of period of special vigilance".

Keep Alert

The drudgery, the fear, the urge to command attention behind the wheel should disappear. This should be replaced with a high degree of alertness, a healthy respect for the passenger, the motor vehicle and the skill involved in controlling it efficiently and safely anywhere on our roads. However, keeping alert on our roads can be a problem especially when we travel over long distances. Sometimes, when we drive miles after miles at a steady speed quite comfortably, the best of drivers can be lulled into a passive state which is referred to as 'highway hypnosis'.

According to Dr. Persaud, at the first sign of drowsiness or inattention, the driver should do something different. "Sitting up straighter, loosening a tight collar, opening a window or changing a radio programme or CD can help" he says. The motorist could also stop at the next gas station or rest area for a soft, not hard drink and a short walk. If this does not help, find a safe place to take a nap. According to Zick Rubin in his book Psychology we think of 'falling asleep' as a gradual process, it actually happens in an instant. "One second the organism is aware - the next second he is not" as William Dement a leading sleep researcher, puts it.

Awareness stops abruptly, as if 10 million furiously communi-cating brain cells were suddenly placed on 'stand by' status. We must bear in mind that hours of driving may fool the driver into thinking that the car is going slower than it really is.

In order to avoid highway hypnosis before it becomes a problem for the road, try this 10 point plan:

Tips to Avoid Hypnosis

Avoid driving for long periods; Stop for a short rest in populated place.

Keep your eyes moving and scanning the road ahead. In other words "READ THE ROAD".

Check the rear-view mirrors on a regular basis.

Maintain constant interest in traffic signs, symbols, roadway markings, and the changing traffic conditions.

Glance at the passing scenery.

Sing and talk with passengers.

Avoid eating heavy meals and equally avoid not eating at all.

Keep the windows open.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Let someone else drive.