DRIVER STRESS AND PERFORMANCE ON A DRIVING SIMULATOR

Effects of stress on driving performance can depend on the nature of d river's stress reactions and on the traffic environment. In an experim ental study we assessed multiple dimensions of vulnerability to driver stress by a questionnaire that was validated in previous field studie s and related those dimensions to performance an a driving simulator. Results were broadly consistent with prediction. A dimension of habitu al dislike of driving was associated with reduced control skills, grea ter caution, and disturbance of meads. A measure of aggressive driving predicted more frequent and more error-prone overtaking, which are ef fects attributed to the use of confrontive coping strategies in intera ction with other vehicles. An alertness measure predicted speed of rea ction to pedestrian hazards. This research has practical applications for system design, automated monitoring of driver performance, selecti on and assessment of drivers, and training.