Highway hypnosis is a mental state that can occur during long, monotonous drives, particularly on highways. It happens when the driver becomes less aware of their surroundings, often due to the repetitive nature of the road and the lack of significant changes in the environment. This leads to a trance-like state where the driver may continue to drive without being fully focused, sometimes not recalling parts of the journey. Although the vehicle is still being controlled, this lack of attention can increase the risk of accidents. It is important to stay alert and take breaks to avoid this condition.