What are the effects of fatigue on driving performance?

Fatigue significantly affects driving performance in critical ways. When a driver is fatigued, their level of attention decreases, leading to impaired focus on the road and surroundings. This lack of attention can result in missing important signs, signals, or the movements of other vehicles. Moreover, fatigue negatively impacts judgment; a driver might underestimate risks or make poor decisions due to a diminished ability to evaluate situations accurately.

Reaction times are also affected, meaning that a fatigued driver may not respond as quickly as necessary to sudden changes on the road, such as a pedestrian stepping out or a car suddenly braking. Overall, these effects can greatly increase the risk of accidents, highlighting the importance of being well-rested before driving.