What is the effect of fatigue on driving?

Fatigue has a significant negative impact on driving performance, notably impairing both reaction time and decision-making ability. When a driver is fatigued, their mental and physical capacities are diminished, leading to slower responses in critical situations. Reaction time refers to how quickly a driver can respond to unexpected events, such as a sudden stop by the vehicle in front or a pedestrian crossing the street. Fatigue slows down this response, increasing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, decision-making ability is compromised when a driver is tired. A fatigued driver may find it difficult to assess situations accurately, make sound judgments, or react appropriately to road conditions and other drivers' actions. This combination of slowed reactions and poor decision-making can lead to errors, increasing the likelihood of mishaps.

Other options suggest the misleading idea that fatigue could enhance performance or have no effect, which contradicts extensive research demonstrating that driving while fatigued poses serious safety threats. It is crucial for drivers to recognize the dangers of fatigue and to ensure that they are well-rested before getting behind the wheel.