Driver's License Test Prep
Pennsylvania Practice Distracted Driving

The manual describes 'highway hypnosis' as a serious risk. What behavior causes it?

  1. A.
    Following another vehicle too closely on a dark stretch of road
  2. B.
    Staring straight ahead for long periods and no longer scanning around the vehicle Correct
  3. C.
    Playing music at high volume for long stretches of driving
  4. D.
    Driving faster than the posted limit for miles at a time
The Why

The answer is "Staring straight ahead for long periods and no longer scanning around the vehicle"

Highway hypnosis sets in when you stare straight ahead for long stretches and stop actively scanning around your vehicle, leaving you likely to crash into slowing traffic. Drivers who reach for A are swapping in tailgating from the following-distance section by association.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Following another vehicle too closely on a dark stretch of road

Tailgating is treated separately and is not what defines highway hypnosis. This answer swaps in tailgating from the following-distance section by association.

C. Playing music at high volume for long stretches of driving

Music volume is not part of the manual's definition of highway hypnosis. This answer assumes loud audio is the trigger, drawing on general distraction warnings.

D. Driving faster than the posted limit for miles at a time

Speeding is a separate hazard the manual treats elsewhere. This answer blames highway hypnosis on speed rather than the visual-scanning breakdown the manual names.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Distracted Driving in Pennsylvania. Source: Pennsylvania Driver Manual, "Traveling on Highways," p.52..

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