Why does driving faster than surrounding traffic increase the chance of making a wrong decision?

Driving faster than surrounding traffic creates tension that can lead to quick decision-making, often resulting in poor choices. When a driver is moving at a higher speed than others on the road, they may feel pressured to maintain that speed, which can heighten their stress levels. This tension can impair judgment and reduce the quality of decision-making. Under stress, a driver is less likely to think critically about their actions and more likely to make impulsive choices, such as sudden lane changes or aggressive maneuvers, increasing the risk of accidents.

Other options do not adequately address the specific risks associated with high-speed driving. While having more time to react might seem beneficial, driving faster actually shortens the time available to assess situations properly. Being more focused on the road could be interpreted as a positive, but the stress of driving too fast often diverts attention rather than enhancing it. Similarly, smoother lane changes could be a consideration while adjusting speed, but when driving faster than the flow of traffic, the potential for errors increases significantly due to that heightened tension and need for rapid decision-making.