Have you ever been driving home after work, and as you pull into your driveway, you realize you have no awareness of how you got there? You know you’re sober and attentive, but you have no memory of the drive?
This is not an uncommon phenomenon. In fact, it even has a name – dissociative driving.
Focusing on dissociative driving
Dissociative driving can take many different forms. However, it often involves a driver who is zoned out, daydreaming or completely disconnected from their surroundings.
In some cases, people zone out like this because they are:
- Highly stressed
- Driving extremely familiar routes
- Overwhelmed
- Feeling helpless
Under these circumstances, a person’s body and cognitive function can seemingly shut down to conserve resources.
So, while drivers might have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, their minds can be somewhere else entirely. And once they reach their destination, they may have little or no memory of how they got there.
Preventing dissociation while driving
Staying alert and focused while driving can require more than having a cup of coffee or putting down a phone. Being mentally present and engaged in your surroundings can also be crucial.
If you are someone who experiences dissociation while driving, you can practice some grounding techniques, as this article describes:
- Focus on sensations around you
- Do some physical activity like stomping your feet or stretching
- Try mental activities like counting items you see
- Listen to your favorite songs or podcasts
These activities can combat dissociation and help you stay alert while driving.
When dissociation becomes a serious threat
Periodic dissociation may not necessarily be cause for concern. However, when you or someone you love starts zoning out often, there could be concerns regarding severe and more chronic forms of dissociation. Seeing a doctor and talking about possible treatments can be wise in these cases.
Driving safely doesn’t happen automatically. Drivers must make conscious decisions and mindful choices whenever they are behind the wheel. Those who do not can wind up being liable for causing a serious car crash.
