What does peripheral vision enable a driver to do?

Peripheral vision enables a driver to see above, below, and to the sides of their main line of sight. This is crucial for safe driving, as it allows the driver to be aware of their surroundings and detect potential hazards or other vehicles that may not be directly in front of them. It helps in monitoring traffic conditions, recognizing pedestrians, and making timely decisions without directly turning their head, thereby maintaining focus on the road ahead.

The other options focus on more specific aspects of vision or driving skills that are not primarily linked to peripheral vision. For instance, seeing objects directly in front relates more to central vision, which is critical for focusing on immediate tasks. Judging distances accurately involves depth perception, which is also more associated with central rather than peripheral vision. Identifying colors effectively pertains to distinguishing traffic signals and signs, again relying more on central vision. Thus, the primary function of peripheral vision is to expand awareness of the space surrounding the driver.