What increases the chance of a crash while driving?

Fatigue, or being overly tired while driving, significantly increases the likelihood of a crash for several reasons. When a driver is fatigued, their reaction times are slower, attention to the road diminishes, and decision-making abilities become impaired. Falling asleep at the wheel is a serious risk associated with fatigue, leading to accidents that could have been avoided if the driver were alert. Unlike distractions, such as checking a phone, fatigue can more broadly affect overall driving performance, making it harder for a driver to focus on essential tasks like monitoring traffic, understanding road conditions, and reacting to hazards.

It's also important to note that while distractions and talking on the phone are indeed risky behaviors, they may not encompass the full spectrum of impairment that fatigue brings, which can lead to complete lapses in attention. Driving too slowly, while typically less dangerous than being overly tired, can contribute to hazards in certain situations, but it does not inherently affect the driver's physical ability to react in the same way fatigue does. Thus, recognizing fatigue as a significant risk factor is crucial for safe driving practices.