What is velocitation?

Velocitation refers to a phenomenon where a driver underestimates their speed after being on the road for a long duration. This often occurs when a driver becomes accustomed to a constant speed, particularly on highways, and may not realize they are exceeding the speed limit or driving dangerously fast until they are jolted back to awareness, such as spotting a speed limit sign or encountering heavy traffic. This tendency can lead to unsafe driving conditions, making it critical for drivers to constantly monitor their speed and remain aware of their surroundings to mitigate risks associated with overestimating their ability to judge speed accurately.