When operating a vehicle at high speeds, what happens to peripheral vision?

When operating a vehicle at high speeds, peripheral vision narrows due to the body's natural response to focus on a central point. This phenomenon occurs because, when traveling at higher speeds, the brain prioritizes the most critical visual information directly ahead to enhance reaction times and awareness of immediate surroundings. As a result, the ability to see objects in the periphery diminishes, making it more challenging to detect movement or changes occurring outside of the central visual field.

The narrowing of peripheral vision can significantly impact driving safety, as it limits the driver's awareness of potential hazards to the sides or behind them. This is particularly crucial to recognize for law enforcement officers and anyone involved in high-speed pursuits, as it can affect their ability to make quick decisions and respond to dynamic situations on the road.