What mental condition can result from driving too fast compared to surrounding traffic?

Driving too fast compared to surrounding traffic can lead to mental fatigue due to the heightened levels of stress and anxiety it creates. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they must constantly monitor their environment for dangers, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions. This increased mental demand can deplete cognitive resources, making it difficult for the driver to maintain sustained attention and process information effectively. Over time, the effort required to navigate the chaotic situation caused by speed can lead to fatigue, which impairs overall driving performance and increases the risk of accidents.

In contrast, increased alertness and improved focus are more likely to be associated with a moderate driving speed that allows for better situational awareness. Calmness generally reflects a state of ease, which is hard to achieve when speeding and navigating fast-moving traffic. Thus, while maintaining appropriate speeds can foster a more relaxed and focused driving experience, speeding tends to result in the opposite.