Driver’s emotional state and detection of vulnerable road users: towards a better understanding of how emotions affect drivers’ perception using cardiac and ocular metrics.
Category
Journal Article
Authors
Lafont, A., Rogé, J., Ndyae, D., Boucheix, J.M.
Year
2018
Title
Driver’s emotional state and detection of vulnerable road users: towards a better understanding of how emotions affect drivers’ perception using cardiac and ocular metrics.
Journal / book / conference
Transportation Research Part F: Psychology and Behaviour.
Abstract
Traditionally, anger has been considered to have a detrimental effect on driving. However, recent studies suggest that
this statement should be qualified, especially where vulnerable road user detection is concerned. One primary factor
which may determine anger’s effect on a driver’s attention is its intensity. In the present study, different intensities of
anger were elicited via film clips, then vulnerable road user (i.e., cyclists) detection performances were assessed while
participants drove a car in a simulated environment. Cardiac and ocular measurements and self-reported data were
used in order to accurately assess emotional state and attention management throughout the experiment. Results
suggested that participants probably resorted to reappraisal strategies when they were exposed to the emotional film
clips. This phenomenon did not directly affect cyclist detection performances but evidence of different visual scanning
strategies between groups emerged. The contribution of cardiac and ocular measurements to emotional assessment and the advantages of appraisal approaches of emotion were also discussed.
Issue
55
Pages
141-152