Experts have been debating “white line fever” or “highway hypnosis” since the 1920s. It’s an altered mental state in which a driver begins to operate their car unconsciously. In the most extreme cases drivers can suffer a form of amnesia, arriving at a destination with no memory of how they got there. This dangerous state slows your reaction time, may be a precursor to falling asleep, and can even lead to speeding. White line fever is a recipe for disaster. Luckily there’s a cure.

White line fever can have many causes. But factors may include tiredness, a lack of varying sensory stimulation, and repetitive stimulation–such as the vibration of an engine and the flickering white line directly ahead. The cure is as simple as adding some varying stimulation. Here are cures that work for some drivers:

1- Auditory stimulation

Having a passenger in the front seat talking to you is a great cure for highway hypnosis. They can see if you zone out and bring your attention back to the task at hand. But if you have to drive alone, a long phone call with a loved one works too. Paying attention to what they are saying and describing your drive back to them can help keep you awake. A third option is a playlist designed to keep you awake. Create one that switches genres and tempos between songs. This way, your drive will have a different “mood” every few minutes.

2 – Physical stimulation

I was test driving a new Genesis sedan and was in for quite the surprise. After one hour of driving the massaging seat turned on and my dashboard warned me to change my driving position. You can replicate this on your own by just moving your seat position every half hour. Some experts have also argued that a repetitive physical task, such as chewing gum, can prevent white line fever. Finally, making it a habit to check your mirrors and gauges every few miles may be enough visual stimulation to prevent white line fever.

3 – Take charge

White line fever is also called highway hypnosis because it usually occurs on a long straight highway. Cruise control and more recent driver aids also contribute to highway hypnosis. So turn off your cruise control. Better yet, steer onto a scenic byway.

As experts debate white line fever, some states have begun adding curves to long straight highways. Others are experimenting with varying pavement types. But we can also take our safety into our own hands by not driving while very tired or distracted, and making sure to change up our routine on the road.