What issue arises from prolonged speed on the motorway?

Prolonged speed on the motorway can lead to speed perception distortion, which occurs when drivers become desensitized to their actual traveling speed over time. As individuals maintain high speeds for extended periods, their ability to accurately gauge how fast they are going can diminish, leading to a false sense of security. They may feel that they are driving slower than they actually are, which can result in miscalculating safe stopping distances and reaction times to potential hazards. This misperception can increase the likelihood of accidents, as the driver may be less prepared for changes in their environment or the actions of other road users.

Other factors, such as increased fuel consumption and driver fatigue, are also associated with prolonged high-speed driving; however, they do not directly pertain to the way a driver's perception is affected over time. Reduced reaction time is often influenced by fatigue, but it is more about the physical and mental state of the driver than the perception of speed itself.