How can fatigue influence driving performance?

Fatigue significantly impacts driving performance, primarily by causing slower reaction times. When a driver is fatigued, their brain is not functioning at full capacity, which can lead to delays in processing information and responding to changing conditions on the road. This impairment can make it difficult to perform necessary driving tasks, such as reacting to sudden obstacles, adjusting speed in response to traffic situations, or making quick decisions based on rapidly changing circumstances.

For example, a fatigued driver may take longer to notice a stop sign or might fail to react promptly to a vehicle merging into their lane. This delay significantly increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, fatigue can compromise attention span and focus, further exacerbating the challenges to safe driving.

In contrast, the other statements suggest that fatigue could enhance concentration, have no impact, or improve decision-making, which misrepresents the detrimental effects of fatigue and the importance of being alert while driving.