What term describes the condition where a driver becomes inattentive and drowsy?

The term that defines the condition in which a driver becomes inattentive and drowsy is highway hypnosis. This phenomenon typically occurs during long drives on monotonous highways where the driver becomes less aware of their surroundings due to the repetitive nature of the drive. The driver might enter a trance-like state where they can operate the vehicle but are not fully conscious of their actions or the environment, increasing the risk of accidents.

This condition differs from road fatigue, which may encompass a broader range of tiredness and lack of focus but does not specifically refer to the trance-like state of highway hypnosis. Sleep deprivation, while it can contribute to drowsiness and incident risk, refers more directly to the lack of adequate sleep rather than a state induced by driving conditions. Inattentive driving is a general term for any distraction or lack of focus while operating a vehicle, but it does not pinpoint the specific condition of becoming drowsy while driving long distances on the highway.