Which of the following is an effect of drowsy driving?

• A. Slower reaction time
• B. Faster reaction time
• C. Improved judgment
• D. Increased alertness

Answer: (A)

Drowsy driving slows your reaction time. When fatigue takes over, your brain processes information more slowly, attention wanes, and your ability to respond to hazards decreases. You may miss cues like brake lights, pedestrians, or sudden movements, and even brief moments of sleep (micro-sleeps) can interrupt your awareness long enough to miss important signals. Because safe driving hinges on quickly recognizing danger and reacting, fatigue makes braking and steering slower and less reliable. That’s why slower reaction time is the effect you’d expect. The other options—faster reaction time, improved judgment, or increased alertness—do not fit, since fatigue dulls alertness and judgment and slows responses. If you’re tired, the safest choice is to rest or stop until you’re alert enough to drive.