Bhubaneswar: Road hypnosis-related accidents have now emerged as a major problem. Given the increasing number of road hypnosis-related accidents, the State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha has alerted the drivers and passengers.
This is a physical condition that most users are not aware of. Road hypnosis on highways often occurs at night. Even with the driver’s eyes open, the brain goes into a subconscious state. This condition is called road hypnosis. After driving for two and a half hours on a single stretch, the state of road hypnosis begins. In this condition, though the eyes are open, the brain cannot remember or understand anything. Drivers may not identify or recognise anything 15 minutes before an accident. He does not even know how fast he is driving or how fast the front vehicle is moving.
The statistics of accident data over the past few years have revealed that road hypnosis is one of the many causes behind accidents. According to the accident data of the state in the year 2023, 1198 people died and 1272 people were injured in 2496 accidents due to rear-end collisions. 274 people died and 354 people were seriously injured in 639 road accidents due to hit with the part vehicles. Similarly, 763 accidents occurred due to hitting the fixed objects., while 373 people died and 422 people were injured. Road hypnosis is one of the many reasons behind these fatal accidents.
In view of this, awareness programs have been taken up by the State Transport Authority. During winters STA distributed Tea to the drivers coming from long distances.
The advisory released by the State Transport Authority guides the drivers and road users how to avoid road hypnosis. It says while going on long journeys, and after driving continuously for two and a half hours, take a few minutes of rest. Wash the face thoroughly. Take a short walk and rest for 5 to 6 minutes. Drink tea or coffee to get freshen up. Start the journey, only when you feel completely refreshed. Be extra careful when driving at night. Not only drivers but also passengers should be careful in this regard. And monitor the driver’s driving style and warn. The risk of roadway sedation increases when passengers fall asleep. So, all drivers and passengers should be aware of this to prevent accidents and save precious lives.
