What critical aspect does driver fatigue affect according to safety standards?

Driver fatigue significantly impacts attention, reaction time, and decision-making ability, which are all essential components of safe driving. When a driver is fatigued, their capacity to focus diminishes, leading to an increased likelihood of missing critical information, such as road signs or changes in traffic conditions. Reaction time is also hampered; when a driver is drowsy, their ability to respond quickly to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or objects in the roadway, is severely compromised.

Additionally, decision-making ability suffers under fatigue, as the driver may struggle to process information effectively and make sound judgments. This can lead to poor choices, such as taking unnecessary risks or misjudging distances. Together, these factors contribute to an increased risk of accidents, making it vital for drivers to manage fatigue as part of their responsibility under safety standards.