How Stress Impairs Driving Safety: Hazard Perception & Reaction

Yes, stress can adversely affect a driver's ability to anticipate and determine upcoming driving hazards conditions. When a person is under stress, their cognitive functions can become impaired, making it more difficult to process information and make quick decisions. This can lead to a reduced awareness of potential hazards on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, and a slower reaction time to unexpected events. Additionally, stress can cause people to become distracted, further diverting their attention from the task of driving.