What phenomenon might occur after long periods of high-speed driving?

Velocitation is the phenomenon that occurs after long periods of high-speed driving where a driver becomes desensitized to their speed and may not realize how fast they are actually going when they return to normal driving conditions. This can be particularly dangerous, as a driver experiencing velocitation may underestimate the stopping distance required or the level of control needed at lower speeds, potentially leading to unsafe driving behaviors.

Highway hypnosis, another term that relates to long-distance driving, refers to a trance-like state that can occur due to monotony and fatigue; however, it is distinct from the specific sensation of feeling faster than one truly is. Road fatigue represents the tiredness that accumulates over time from driving, which affects alertness and reaction time but does not directly relate to the driver's perception of speed. Speed distortion is not a commonly recognized term in this context, while velocitation specifically addresses the cognitive effect on a driver's sense of speed after extended periods at high rates of acceleration.