> The memory expert interviewed in the article explains that this problem happens when the "low level" basal ganglia has the brain on autopilot, compensating fo

> The memory expert interviewed in the article explains that this problem happens when the "low level" basal ganglia has the brain on autopilot, compensating for higher-level functionality that's compromised by stress, emotion, and distraction. The thing I've noticed the times I've suffered through looking at more than the headlines of stories like these is that a combination of: (1) a break in routine (kid in car when they wouldn't ordinarily be) with (2) a totally routine 100% autopilot drive of the sort you sometimes realize you're near the end of and don't actually remember doing the earlier parts (morning commute, say) is deadly. It's so easy to see how it could happen. shivers