How does fatigue affect driving ability?

Fatigue significantly impairs driving ability because it affects crucial cognitive and physical functions. When a driver is fatigued, reaction times become slower, making it difficult to respond promptly to unexpected situations on the road. Additionally, fatigue can compromise judgment, leading drivers to make poor decisions such as misjudging distances or the speed of other vehicles. Awareness of surroundings decreases as well, which means a fatigued driver is less likely to notice pedestrians, traffic signals, or changes in traffic patterns, all of which are essential for safe driving. Thus, option C highlights the critical effects of fatigue, emphasizing its detrimental influence on various aspects of driving performance.