How does a driver feel behind the wheel? An exploratory study of drivers' emotions and the effect of their sociodemographic background.

Recent driving behaviour theories with motivational approaches have paid considerable attention to the cognitive characteristics of the driver, especially emotions. The role of drivers' emotions in driving behaviour has been the subject of extensive research, but an important question remains: how do drivers feel in actual driving situations? In this study, we developeda questionnaire comprised of 20 different emotions, conducted an online survey, and collected the responses from 232 participants. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicated a 4-factor structure. In addition, a path diagram and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were constructed, and the factors were semantically named "Unease," "Fear," "Pride," and "Joy," representing two positive and two negative emotions, respectively. Four multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses revealed a statistically significant but low-magnitudeeffect of sociodemographic variables on emotions. The correlations between the emotional factors indicate that two negative emotions and one positive emotion (pride) are highly positively correlated, whereas "joy" is the only emotion negatively associated with negative emotions and has a low correlation with pride. These results imply that sociodemographic variables may only serve as a foundation for forming a driver's contingent emotions, which are later specified by other factors, such as the driving context. Moreover, "joy" may be the only emotional factor that promotes regulation-congruent and favourable driving behaviour; the other three factors may result in various unfavourable driving styles. These findings may be used to determine the needs and specific characteristics of every driver based on their feelings and help design various mitigation measures addressing unfavourable behaviours tailored for different groups of drivers.

A novel driver hazard perception sensitivity model based on drivers' characteristics: A simulator study.

Objective: Considering the high annual number of fatal driving accidents in Iran, any approach for reducing the number or severity of driving accidents is a positive step toward decreasing accident-related losses. Accidents can often be avoided by a timely reaction of the driver. One of the steps before reacting to a hazard is perception. Some driver characteristics may affect road hazard perception. In this research, it was assumed that various driver characteristics, including demographic characteristics and cognitive characteristics, have an impact on driver perception. Methods: The driving simulator used in this research provides various scenarios; for example, passing a pedestrian or animal across the road or placing fixed objects in a 2-lane separated rural road for 2 groups of experienced and inexperienced drivers under day and night lighting conditions. The go/no-go test was carried out in order to assess drivers' attention to driving tasks and inhibitory control. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to estimate the relation between driver characteristics and sensitivity to road hazard perception. A new hazard perception index was proposed based on the time intervals in the hazard vulnerability. Results: The results show that the most effective variables in the analysis of sensitivity to hazard perception are driving experience (in kilometers) during the last 3 years and road lighting conditions. Moreover, hazard perception sensitivity was improved by better inhibitory control, selective attention, and decision making, more carefulness, the average amount of daily sleep, and marital status. Conclusion: The results of this research may be useful in educating and advertising programs. It also could enhance sensitivity to perception of hazards such as pedestrians, animals, and fixed obstacles among young and novice drivers.