What aspect of driving does peripheral vision help a driver maintain?

Peripheral vision plays a critical role in a driver's ability to maintain overall awareness of their surroundings. This visual capability allows drivers to detect movement or changes outside their direct line of sight, enabling them to be cognizant of vehicles, pedestrians, and other potential hazards that might be approaching from the sides or behind.

While direct focus is essential for tasks like reading signs or viewing the road directly ahead, it is the peripheral vision that aids in noticing anything happening outside of that focus area. This ability is crucial for safe driving, as it helps prevent accidents that could occur from being unaware of what is happening nearby. Memory recall and speed assessment, although important in the driving process, do not directly relate to the function of peripheral vision in maintaining situational awareness while driving.