Following an extended late-night shift, a motorist driving on an unlit rural highway notices clear signs of severe drowsiness, including involuntary lane drifting and momentary lapses in concentration. Attempting to complete the final 25 miles of the commute, the driver turns up the audio system volume, opens the vehicle windows for cold air, and increases driving speed to shorten travel time. Which statement accurately evaluates the physiological effectiveness and safety of the driver's strategy?
- Sensory countermeasures like cold air and loud music fail to restore cognitive alertness, while increasing speed exponentially elevates collision risk due to reduced reaction time during microsleeps.Answer
- BIncreasing speed is an effective compensatory maneuver because the resulting physiological adrenaline surge effectively overrides central nervous system fatigue.
- CSensory stimulants reliably sustain full cognitive focus for short distances, making it safe to proceed provided the vehicle maintains a constant following buffer.
- DDrowsiness primarily impairs peripheral visual perception, so performing frequent physical shoulder checks completely mitigates the hazard of driving while fatigued.
Answer
Sensory countermeasures like cold air and loud music fail to restore cognitive alertness, while increasing speed exponentially elevates collision risk due to reduced reaction time during microsleeps.
The correct answer highlights the physiological reality of fatigue: environmental stimuli such as cold air or loud music cannot reverse sleep debt or prevent microsleeps. Furthermore, increasing driving speed severely exacerbates hazards by expanding stopping distances and shortening the time available to avert hazards during lapses in consciousness.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Ineffectiveness of sensory countermeasures and dangerous effects of fatigue on driving performance